Held at Sette restaurant, English rugby star, Christian Wade, was the guest speaker, who provided insight into his unique career path, the jubilations, challenges and funny stories along the way.
Wade has been a focal point for headlines in the Rugby world this week, as it was announced he would be joining the newly taken over Newcastle Red Bulls.
Speaking about his early sporting days, Christian said “My parents always wanted me to be involved in different sports, athletics in the summer, I played basketball all year round, I even did a bit of martial arts, and football. I think for me, that’s what helped me to really develop my skills, catching, passing and running.”
After making his first England rugby appearance Christian said “I was 21 and played in the Premiership for about two years. It was my first full year playing in the first team and I was really excited to play. Obviously, I had aspirations to play for England as well.
Stuart Lancaster had just come in as the first team head coach and he was looking to rebuild the squad. I got a call up for the (South Africa) tour, not necessarily to play in the main test matches, but to get used to touring with the main side, play some midweek games. I was really excited to get out there and do my thing.”
Wade made the move from Rugby Union to NFL as he highlighted last night by saying “There was interest from the NFL, as they were trying to find international players to come over and play.
Well, this is, this is pretty cool, isn’t it? Going to the NFL would be amazing, but, how does that work? Long story short, they asked me to go to Tottenham’s training ground, and they sat me down and said that we’ve seen your clips. And we think you can make the transfer to the NFL with a bit of coaching.”
Wade’s move to the Buffalo Bills came in 2019, as part of the international player pathway. After three years in Buffalo, playing running back, Wade made his return to rugby, first in France, and then joining Gloucester in 2024.
After returning back to England from his time in the NFL, Christian stated his new goal; “I decided that instead of trying to focus on my England career, I’ll be focused on myself and the team I’m playing for.”
Sport Industry Group’s next event, exclusively only for members, takes place 17th September 2025 at Lord’s Cricket Ground and is our Women’s Sport: The Road to $23bn.
