Wade ready for uphill fight in NFL
FORMER England wing Christian Wade says he has a “mountain to climb” as he embarks on a career in NFL.
The 27-year-old is third in the all-time Premiership tryscorers list with 82, but won only one England cap, on a tour of Argentina in 2013.
This week Wasps released Wade from his contract to allow him to pursue a career in American football.
“There’s so much to learn in such a small space of time,” said Wade, who now joins the NFL’s Player Pathway.
The scheme allows one extra practice squad spot for a foreignborn development player and has been used by the likes of Australian former rugby league player Jordan Mailata, who is in London this weekend as a Philadelphia Eagles player.
“It’s something that I don’t take lightly,” Wade said.
“I’m going to be starting my training regime literally next week and it’s a huge mountain to climb.
“There’s some phenomenal athletes but I believe in my skills and hopefully I’m good enough. “It’s been a very difficult decision for me, giving up my career in rugby.
“Wasps have been so incredible to me – they’ve looked after me from the age of 16 all the way up to now and the fans have been great, the RFU has been great as well.”
■ England forward Courtney Lawes is a doubt for the autumn international with South Africa on 3 November because of a recurring back problem.
The 29-year-old Northampton Saints player suffered a back spasm on 6 October after sleeping in a hotel bed that was ill-suited to his 6’7” frame.
He has left the training camp in the Algarve for specialist UK treatment.
England are already without the injured Chris Robshaw, Joe Launchbury and Billy and Mako Vunipola.
Lawes first experienced back problems on the day of Northampton’s defeat by Leicester, and was forced to withdraw during the warm-up to the game.
England forwards coach Steve Borthwick said: “He is expected to return to Portugal early next week. He has taken part in modified training this week.”
The South Africa match begins a month of Saturday internationals at Twickenham for England, with other matches against New Zealand, Japan and Australia.