WIGAN WARRIORS’ new signing Christian Wade has made his first appearance for the club.
Wade, a former England rugby union international, has made the move on a short-term deal following the end of the Premiership season with previous club Gloucester.
Plying his trade in rugby league means that it is the third sport for the 34-year-old, who has also previously experienced American football with the Buffalo Bills.
Now the fleet-footed winger has linked up with reigning Super League champions Wigan, currently two points behind leaders Hull KR in the table as they look to defend their title.
He stated training with the Warriors earlier this week after Gloucester failed to make the Premiership play-offs last weekend, finishing two points outside the top four despite Wade scoring two tries in a final-round win over Northampton Saints.
That took him to 93 tries in the competition, second only to Chris Ashton – a former league star with Wigan – who has 101.
Having been active for a full season with Gloucester stretching back to September, match fitness is no issue for Wade as he was put straight into action on Thursday night in a reserves fixture at Castleford Tigers.
He played around 50 minutes on the wing in Wigan’s 56-10 victory and will now hope to make a first-team debut for the Warriors when they travel to Dewsbury to play Huddersfield Giants a week on Saturday (June 14).
“I’m excited to join Wigan Warriors, a club with a tremendous legacy,” Wade said upon his move.
“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.”
Wigan coach Matt Peet said: “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.”