"Brutal to watch" - England winger knocked out cold on his return
Rugby NewsSunday, 14 December 2025 at 18:48
Former England international Christian Wade’s debut for Newcastle Falcons was cut short after he was knocked out cold by an opponent’s swinging arm.
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The 34-year-old returned to rugby union after a spell in league with Wigan Warriors and started against the Lions in the Challenge Cup at Kingston Park. However, the one-cap international lasted just 30 minutes as Newcastle won 14-10.
With Falcons trailing 10-7, Wade collected the ball in his own half and burst into the Lions’ defence. After evading one tackle, he was brought down heavily by Angelo Davids, whose attempted wrap caught Wade on the jaw as his body position dropped. Wade appeared unconscious before hitting the ground, lying motionless with the ball beneath him.
Referee Benoit Rousselet halted play as medics attended Wade, who was later taken off. Davids received a yellow card after a TMO review.
Newcastle head coach Alan Dickens said: “He got hit on the jaw from a swinging arm, but then hit his head on the floor as he hit the ground.
“Thankfully, I spoke to him in the changing room at half-time and then at the end of the game, but he'll go through the HIA protocols over the next week or two.”
Full 2026 Six Nations Fixtures
ROUND 1
Thursday 5th February 2026
- France v Ireland – Stade de France, Paris – 8:10pm
Saturday 7th February 2026
- Italy v Scotland – Stadio Olimpico, Rome – 2:10pm
- England v Wales – Allianz Stadium, Twickenham – 4:40pm
ROUND 2
Saturday 14th February 2026
- Ireland v Italy – Aviva Stadium, Dublin – 2:10pm
- Scotland v England – Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh – 4:40pm
Sunday 15th February 2026
- Wales v France – Principality Stadium, Cardiff – 3:10pm
ROUND 3
Saturday 21st February 2026
- England v Ireland – Allianz Stadium, Twickenham – 2:10pm
- Wales v Scotland – Principality Stadium, Cardiff – 4:40pm
Sunday 22nd February 2026
- France v Italy – Decathlon Arena, Lille – 3:10pm
ROUND 4
Friday 6th March 2026
- Ireland v Wales – Aviva Stadium, Dublin – 8:10pm
Saturday 7th March 2026
- Scotland v France – Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh – 2:10pm
- Italy v England – Stadio Olimpico, Rome – 4:40pm
ROUND 5
Saturday 14th March 2026
- Ireland v Scotland – Aviva Stadium, Dublin – 2:10pm
- Wales v Italy – Principality Stadium, Cardiff – 4:40pm
- France v England – Stade de France, Paris – 8:10pm
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