I am sure you have all read the reports today that Wasps (and, very briefly, England) winger Christian Wade has dramatically quit rugby and has left Wasps to attempt a career in the NFL.
I have to admit the first thing I did when I heard the news was to check the date to make sure it was not 1st April.
Wade is certainly British rugby's highest profile player to cross the pond try his luck in American Football, but my gut reaction is that his relatively diminutive stature and total lack of experience is likely to be something of a handicap. Still, the riches on offer in the NFL are potentially life changing although as yet there is no news of which particular franchise will take him on.
I do, of course, wish him well - but can't help feeling he really should have spent the last few years shredding international defences for England. After all, it was only 5 years ago that he was deemed worthy of a call up to the Lions squad in Australia and a more enlightened selection and coaching approach at national level could and perhaps should have found a way to make use of his unique talents.
There's no doubt whatsoever that he will be sorely missed at Wasps.
