Christian Wade leaves Wasps to pursue career in American football

England winger Christian Wade has left Premiership club Wasps to pursue a career in American football, British media reported on Friday.

Wade, one of the fastest players in the Premiership but relatively short in stature, is the third highest scorer in the competition's history with 82 tries.

The 27-year-old has won only one England cap, against Argentina in 2013, and has not been selected by current national coach Eddie Jones.

Wade joins rugby union players Alex Gray and Christian Scotland-Williamson in attempting to move to the NFL.

Gray joined the Atlanta Falcons while Scotland-Williamson moved to the Pittsburgh Steelers but neither has played an NFL game.