Wasps have confirmed wing Christian Wade has retired from rugby with immediate effect.
It emerged last week that Wade had grown despondent over the lack of international opportunities with England that led to his head turning towards a move to the USA and the NFL.
Wade stands at the Premiership’s third highest try-scorer at the age of just 27, having scored 98 tries in 165 league appearances.
But with contract issues ironed out allowing him to pursue his dream in American football, the Wasps wing thanked the club for allowing him to leave.
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’s very disappointing to lose a player of Wadey’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.”
Terminating his contract on ‘confidential terms’, Wade’s teammates took to social media to show their support for his career decision.
One of, if not the most gifted players I’ve ever had the privilege of playing with. A true gent and the game of rugby will be worse off without him. All the best brother will miss you 🐝 https://t.co/McorIMpw3E
— Dan Robson (@d_jrobson) October 24, 2018
https://www.instagram.com/p/BpUrsNqhR4M/?taken-by=jimmygopperth
Sad to see @ChristianWade3 leaving Wasps. Your contagious happiness and phenomenal talent will be hugely missed at the club. I wish you all the best mate!
— andrea masi (@andrea_masi) October 24, 2018
