Watson: Give me England over NFL
RUGBY UNION
ANTHONY WATSON has binned thoughts of switching from rugby to the NFL after losing a year of his career to injury.
The England and Lions star declared an interest in playing American football long before Christian Wade (below) quit rugby for the Buffalo Bills, scoring a touchdown on his debut.
But 13 months out with a ruptured Achilles tendon has reminded him of what an opportunity he has with England and how he needs to make it count.
“I love the NFL and did say previously that I’d love to give it a shot potentially,” said the Bath wing, who returned to action just in time to make Eddie Jones’ World Cup squad.
“But after what I’ve been through this past year, I realise I’ve got to maximise what I do in rugby.
“There are so many things I can learn from other sports, including the NFL, in terms of footwork and stuff like that. A lot of their skills are transferable.
“To make myself a better rugby player using the stuff they use, 100 per cent. But in terms of transitioning into those sports, no.” Wade became an overnight sensation Stateside when running 65 yards for a touchdown on his first carry in his first-ever game. He followed that up with a 48-yard catch and run in his second outing.
In his latest appearance on Friday, he helped the Bills complete their first ever unbeaten pre-season, with five carries and three receptions in a 27-23 win over Minnesota.
But the former Wasps wing, who has still to learn whether he will survive the final cut and make it into Buffalo’s 53-man squad for the regular season, did not give up an England career.
Wade is 28 and won his solitary cap six years ago.
Watson has 15 tries in 38 Tests and is a key member of Jones’ squad preparing in Treviso for next Fr Friday’s game again against Italy at Newc Newcastle’s St Jame James’ Park.
“It’s brilliant to b be back,” said t the 25-year o old, who m missed 12 Tests and had two ops in his t time out.
“D “Did I ever think I wo wouldn’t make it? I tried trie not think like that. I knew I had to get back play playing first for Bath Bath, so that was my f focus. The rest I hop hoped would then fall into in place.”