Christian Wade is 95 Premiership tries in and six short of Chris Ashton’s mark. He talks about the changing game, the challenge of remaining a constant try-scorer, and his determination to chase the top spot.
Wade has scored 95 Premiership tries and is six behind Chris Ashton’s record.
Wade says opponents adapt to well-known threats, so players must 're-invent' their attacking toolbox each season.
Despite leaving the sport for spells in other codes and countries, Wade says the opportunity to become the Premiership's top try-scorer remains realistic and important to him.
Christian Wade, the Newcastle Red Bulls wing, has 95 Premiership tries and sits six shy of Chris Ashton's all-time mark. He frames the chase as part personal ambition and part response to the way the game has evolved.
Wade acknowledges the recent interruptions to his rugby career—time away in the NFL, in France and in rugby league—have delayed his pursuit of the record. He says he's grateful the opportunity to reach No. 1 still exists and wants to try to do it this season.
"The way guys are running in tries now is crazy. You also don't have so many big guys now in the backs trying to take your head off when you try to get past them! It's a different game and much quicker. More teams are throwing the ball around and doing the exciting stuff."
"You have to keep re-inventing yourself each year and adding to your toolbox to make it harder for them to stop you."
Wade explains that early career anonymity helps young wingers get away with things, but as opponents study them, defenders plan to stop familiar moves. His solution is to continually add new ways to score, adapting year by year so defenses can't easily nullify him.
Wade names a group of contemporaries—Max Malins, Ollie Hassell-Collins, Caden Murley, Tommy Freeman and Adam Radwan—who are scoring regularly and could close the gap. He accepts the record will not be permanent and that challengers will arrive fast.
Wade says he always prided himself on scoring tries and sees it as part of his identity: "I pride myself on scoring tries, and I get paid to do so. It's always been part of my DNA." He also references a conversation with Chris Ashton, with both agreeing on how difficult consistency is across a career.
Wade is close enough to the Premiership try record that this season matters. He frames the pursuit practically: the game is different now, opponents adapt, and he must keep developing new attacking options to stay ahead.
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