‘That’s what I do’ – Wade keeps cool as history approaches
Christian Wade is one try away from equalling Chris Ashton’s Premiership record of 101, and two away from surpassing it. The Newcastle Red Bulls winger could reach the mark against Sale Sharks on Friday, but says his focus is on helping the team perform rather than on the record.
Wade’s century includes 82 tries for Wasps, where he first scored in 2011, as well as spells with Gloucester and Newcastle. He spent three seasons with the Buffalo Bills without playing a full NFL game, then played in France and rugby league before returning to the Premiership. This season he has scored five tries in three league matches, despite Newcastle losing all three.
In short
- Wade has scored 100 Premiership tries, one short of Ashton’s record.
- He could equal the mark against Sale on Friday.
- He says team performance, not the record, is his focus.
Explained simply
Christian Wade is an English rugby union winger, a player who usually operates near the touchline and scores by carrying the ball over the opposition’s goal line. The Premiership is England’s top domestic rugby union competition, and its record for career tries is held by former winger Chris Ashton, who scored 101.
Wade first made his mark at Wasps, later played for Gloucester and Newcastle, and also spent time in American football with the Buffalo Bills. After playing rugby in France and rugby league, he returned to the Premiership. His try record spans those clubs, while Newcastle’s results this season show why individual scoring and team performance can differ.