The lowdown on Christian Wade’s reported switch to the NFL

The Wasps winger is the third top try-scorer in the history of the English Premiership.

Published Oct 22, 2018

Last updated Oct 22, 2018

Wasps winger Christian Wade is reportedly set to leave English rugby and attempt to join the NFL.

Here Press Association Sport looks at the chances of the once-capped England international turning an American dream in to sporting reality in the middle of an NFL season.

How can the move happen?

Jacksonville Jaguars Academy Day – Loughborough University — Nigeria-born Efe Obada played for the London Warriors before making a successful transition to the NFL (Barry Coombs/PA)

Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Jordan Mailata and Carolina Panthers defensive end Efe Obada this year became the first two members of the pathway programme to make a final 53-man roster. Wade could benefit by following the same path as soon as his position has been defined.

Has a similar switch been done before?

Tennessee Titans v Los Angeles Chargers – NFL International Series – Wembley Stadium — The world of American Football is very different to that of rugby union (Simon Cooper/PA)

Can Wade transfer his union skills?

Rugby Union – Aviva Premiership – Gloucester Rugby v Wasps – Kingsholm — Christian Wade is the third highest try scorer in the history of the English Premiership (Joe Giddens/PA)

How does he shape up physically?

American Football – NFL International Series 2013 – Minnesota Vikings v Pittsburgh Steelers – Wembley Stadium — Top Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown is about the same size as Christian Wade (Andrew Matthews/PA)