Gloucester winger Christian Wade has sensationally signed for rugby league’s Wigan Warriors on a short-term deal.
Wade will make the switch upon the conclusion of Gloucester’s Gallagher Premiership season.
The 33-year-old former England winger will play with Wigan for the rest of the 2025 season, the club have confirmed.
Former NFL running back Wade said: “I’m excited to join Wigan Warriors, a Club with a tremendous legacy. I’m honoured to be joining a list of legendary players who have played for this Club. I’m looking forward to this next chapter in my career and I can’t wait to get started.
“It’s been a real honour to play for Gloucester over the past year. I’ve loved playing Gallagher Premiership rugby again.
“I’d like to thank George and the coaches for the opportunity, the boys for making every day enjoyable and the fans for their love and support this season.
“I’m excited for the challenge, but for now, my focus remains wholly on finishing the season strongly with Gloucester.”
The 33-year-old represented Wasps for seven years, scoring 82 tries in Premiership rugby.
It will be his third sporting code after playing for NFL side the Buffalo Bills after switching to American football for a spell in 2018.
Gloucester director of rugby George Skivington said of the flyer’s departure: “Christian’s been a great addition for us this season, he’s scored some fantastic tries and been a key part of what we’re doing, especially in attack.
“Wadey is a great character and his positivity and energy is infectious. He has definitely made his mark here. He leaves with the best wishes of everyone at Gloucester as he takes on a new challenge in Rugby League.”
Wigan Warriors CEO Kris Radlinski said: “The new Talent Pool Exemption was created precisely for this type of recruitment. Christian is an exceptional athlete with highly transferable skills suited to Rugby League. His impressive track record speaks for itself and we are genuinely excited about the impact he can make throughout the remainder of the 2025 season.”
Warriors Head Coach Matt Peet added: “We look forward to welcoming Christian and his partner Lisa to Wigan. As well as working hard to learn a new sport, we are expecting Christian to bring his own personality to the team in terms of his athleticism, skill and experience.
“I know Wigan fans will be excited and give him an amazing welcome.”
Wigan and Great Britain rugby league legend Martin Offiah MBE said: “Wigan’s signing of Christian Wade is the biggest coup for the sport of rugby league since Jonathan Davies joined me at Widnes back in the 80s.”
