Wasps wing Christian Wade dramatically quits rugby union career in bid to become NFL star
Christian Wade has sensationally quit Wasps to pursue a career in the NFL.
The 27-year-old informed the Premiership side of his intentions this week and is understood to have played his last game in rugby union, with the club reluctantly sanctioning his exit.
Wade has been with Wasps since 2011 and has scored 82 tries - putting him third in the all-time Premiership try-scorers list.
He has was capped by England in 2013 and toured with the British and Irish Lions later that year.
Despite continuing to shine at club level, the speed-merchant has been unable to convince Eddie Jones to hand him more international caps.
Now Wade has made the shock decision to end his rugby career and head to the United States to try to become an American football star.
He is the latest rugby player to make the transition to the NFL and by far the most high profile.
Christian Scotland-Williamson left Worcester and is now part of the Pittsburgh Steelers squad, while former England Under-20 player Alex Gray captained the Atlanta Falcons during a pre-season match.
Wade has made five appearances for Wasps this season and his last outing - against Gloucester at the Ricoh Arena on October 6 - now appears to have been his farewell game in English rugby.
Wasps have yet to make an official announcement about Wade's future.