Christian Wade gets NFL chance with Buffalo just six months after quitting rugby

Christian Wade shed tears of joy after going from rugby to the NFL inside six months - without playing a game.

The former England wing, who started the season with Wasps, gambled everything by turning his back on job security and home comforts to chase his American dream.

His reward arrived at 3pm yesterday with a call from the Buffalo Bills to say they had added him to their squad.

“I’m a step closer to my dream and I’m almost lost for words,” said Wade, one of four players allocated to clubs as part of the league's International Player Pathway programme.

“It makes me emotional just how risky and big a move this has been. I knew it but this moment has made it even more apparent. Every time I think about it I well up. This 100 per cent makes the gamble worthwhile.”

Exclusive: Why NFL-bound Christian Wade won't be running back to rugby  

Wade shows off his handling moves in training (christianwade3/Instagram)

...before impressing with his running skills (christianwade3/Instagram)

Wade, 27, who won one England cap and is third in the all-time Premiership try-scorers list with 82, is attempting to make it as a running back.

He joins up with the Bills next week where he will try to win a place on their 53-man roster for the new season. He is guaranteed a place on their practise squad come what may.

Super Bowl winner Jay Ajayi is one of seven Britons currently in the NFL. Like Wade, Alex Gray and Christian Scotland-Williamson made the move from rugby.

NFL wannabe Christian Wade says he has "huge" mountain to climb to make it in American Football  

The 27-year-old won once England cap - scant reward for a player of his talent (christianwade3/Instagram)

“The mental side has been a real test,” admitted the 5'8 flyer, who caught the eye with his athletic skills at NFL Pro Day last week.

“Football is pretty much like learning a new language. You have to go into a classroom for 12 weeks and get your head down.

“It continues to be a test as I’ve still only scratched the surface of what I’m going to need to know.

Christian Wade heads for US training camp to prepare for NFL spring trials - leaving American football-inspired Joe Cokanasiga centre stage  

Wade hopes to join wide receiver Robert Foster in the Buffalo Bills line-up (SIPA USA/PA Images)

“It’s a whole new country and a different culture. I’ve never even been to Buffalo. I’ll pack a warm coat and I can’t wait to get involved.

“For me it’s all about believing in myself. I stepped out of rugby 100 per cent confident. All I can ask of myself is that If I give this 100 per cent too.”