Wigan Warriors have announced the exit of rugby union convert Christian Wade with the 34-year-old’s new club also confirmed.
Wade joined Wigan midway through the 2025 season, arriving after his rugby union side Gloucester were knocked out of contention in the Gallagher Premiership.
It marked the third sport that the former England international tried his hand at with the Slough-born winger having previously transitioned to play in the NFL.
Wade was unveiled as a shock signing for Wigan when they hosted St Helens on Good Friday with the Warriors confirming that his short-term deal would commence once his rugby union season had finished.
The winger debuted in July, scoring in a 30-10 win over Huddersfield before playing his second and final game for the club a week later as he score a try but ultimately struggled in Wigan’s 32-12 loss to Hull FC, meaning he ends his rugby league career with two tries in two Super League games.
Wigan Warriors’ 2025 signing’s exit confirmed
Having been previously reported that he was set to leave for rugby union, now been announced by Wigan that Wade will return to the 15-man code with the off-contract winger’s exit formally confirmed by the Warriors.
He’s set to remain in the north as he will sign with Newcastle Red Bulls who have seen significant investment and a rebranding having been taken over by the energy drink company.
There, he will chase the all-time try-scoring record in the Gallagher Premiership with Wade second behind another former Wigan Warriors winger, Chris Ashton.
Speaking on Wade, Wigan’s head coach Matt Peet said: “I’d like to thank Christian and his family for everything they’ve brought to Wigan during his time here. He’s been a true professional from day one, with a great attitude and real commitment to the team.
“We’ve really enjoyed having him in the group and we wish him and his family all the very best as he moves on to this exciting new chapter with Newcastle. It is clear to see why he has had such an outstanding career.”
What Christian Wade said after leaving Wigan Warriors
Within Newcastle’s announcement statement of his signing, Wade reflected on his time in rugby league as he paid tribute to Wigan Warriors, claiming it was an “absolute honour” to represent the club.
He said: “It’s been an absolute honour to be involved with a great club like Wigan Warriors, and they’ve been fantastic with me.
“I’ve never been someone to shy away from a challenge, I’ve learnt a lot from the experience and it’s a special organisation. Their fans are incredible, more like a football crowd with how tribal they are, and I’ve been proud to represent them.
“Someone told me a stat recently saying I was the oldest ever Wigan Warriors debutant, which is quite an unusual record to hold, but they’ve been absolutely great with me and I’ll take nothing but fond memories away from my time there before arriving in Newcastle in December.”
Wigan Warriors can confirm that Christian Wade will leave the Club at the end of the 2025 @SuperLeague season to take up an opportunity in rugby union at Newcastle Red Bulls.
Read more. ⬇️#WWRL https://t.co/cZ7EYe37u5
— Wigan Warriors 🍒⚪️ (@WiganWarriorsRL) September 8, 2025
