Wade NFL dream on track as Buffalo Bills sign wing

CHRISTIAN WADE will have a shot at the American dream after he was signed by the Buffalo Bills NFL side six months after quitting rugby. The former England, Wasps and British & Irish Lions wing, 27, lost his love for rugby and left the Premiership in October in order to pursue a career in American Football. ‘I’m completely lost for words,’ said the former RGS High Wycombe pupil (below), who scored 82 league tries in England. ‘It’s making me emotional thinking about the risk I took and the magnitude of the move. Every time I think about it, I start to well up. ‘It was all about believing in myself and my ability. I stepped out of rugby 100 per cent confident I could make it. ‘There has been a huge mental challenge. It’s like learning a new language. I’ve only scratched the surface of what is required.’ Although he will not play in full NFL matches, Wade could feature in pre-season games at running back as part of a 91-strong Bills squad for the coming year. Under the International Player Pathway agreements he is not allowed to be cut for 12 months. In signing for Buffalo he follows in the footsteps of former Worcester lock Christian Scotland-Williamson, and former England Under 20 flanker Alex Gray, who are with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Atlanta Falcons respectively. Both are yet to break into the main squads. Meanwhile Sportsmail understands Danny Cipriani’s groin injury, picked up in the win over Northampton on Sunday, is not too serious and Gloucester should have him fit to face Bath on Saturday.