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Thu 25 Oct 2018 | 01:05
Some of Christian Wade's best tries and former pro's thoughts on who might leave next

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Christian Wade's retirement from rugby was confirmed on Wednesday by his club Wasps, who said that the 27-year-old winger will part ways with the club with immediate effect. It's come as a bit of a shock for many, with many surprised by his NFL ambitions.

Wade's contract release with Wasps is confidential, but he's definitely played his last game of rugby union.

After a stellar career, he is the third highest all-time try scorer in England's Premiership with 82 tries in 130 matches, but earned just one England cap during that time, way back in 2013.

He's been loyal to his club when other clubs came knocking, but now he's decided he's had enough with rugby union and has decided to pursue other opportunities.

Wade said: “After playing nine years of professional sport for Wasps, I've decided to leave for personal reasons. I would like to thank Wasps Chairman Derek Richardson and Dai for their support, consideration and understanding in what is the most difficult decision of my life.

"I have loved the sport since I was introduced to it at the Royal Grammar School in High Wycombe. I would therefore like to thank everyone who has played a part in shaping my career.

"Rugby has privileged and honoured me with so many wonderful memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Finally, I want to thank my Wasps family: the Club, my team mates and especially the fans – you have always been superb to me. I wish everyone here all the very best for the future."

Wasps Director of Rugby Dai Young said it was very disappointing to lose a player of Wade's quality at this stage of the season.

“The Club held numerous discussions with him to try and convince him to keep pushing forward with Wasps, but in the end it was clear this is the path he wished to go down.

“The Club nevertheless wants to wish him all the best with his future career path and put on record our thanks for the contribution Christian has made to Wasps Rugby.”

Meanwhile, former Harlequins, England and British & Irish Lions winger Ugo Monye has said that he's not surprised Wade left, and expects the likes of Danny Cipriani to follow suit.

Posted By: Grant Constable

1 Comments

  • pickay
    8:45 AM 26/10/2018

    Is there any more info about his NFL plans? Does he have a team already? Or will he just go to some tryouts or however this stuff works over there..? Also, I disagree with most of what Monye says. He basically says certain players are naturally entitled to play for their national team, and they have a right to demand being selected, or else they should voice their frustration and/or just walk away from everything out of spite. What kind of self-centred attitude is that? Most of the players never get a shot at playing for their country, should they all walk away from the game? It's a privilege to be selected to play for your national side, not a right. Cherish it, if you are selected, keep on working if you are not.

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