England international departs the sport with immediate effect
Rugby NewsSaturday, 31 May 2025 at 20:29
Christian Wade signed off from Gloucester in sensational fashion, crossing the whitewash twice in a statement farewell performance – but even his heroics weren’t enough to steer the Cherry and Whites into the Gallagher Premiership play-offs.
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On a day full of drama, teenage sensation Jack Cotgreave stole headlines with a hat-trick in the 54-28 rout of a much-changed but plucky Northampton Saints side. However, the real story belonged to Wade.
The former England winger – who will now switch codes to join Wigan Warriors in Super League – rolled back the years at Kingsholm, showcasing the finishing prowess that once made him one of rugby’s most feared strike runners.
Wade's first came in a blistering first-half burst that saw Gloucester race into a 22-14 lead, with Cotgreave bagging a brace and Tomos Williams also dotting down.
There was more to come after the break. Cotgreave completed his treble, Seb Atkinson added his name to the scoresheet, and Wade – in what is now confirmed as his final appearance in Cherry and White – sealed his brace to crown an emotional afternoon.
Despite the six-try demolition job, George Skivington’s side were left to rue results elsewhere. Wins for Leicester, Sale and Bristol meant Gloucester's fifth-placed finish was confirmed – narrowly missing out on the semi-finals.
Wade’s switch to rugby league marks another chapter in one of the sport’s most compelling stories. After time in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills and a successful return to union, the electric winger now heads north, with Wigan fans licking their lips at what’s to come.
RUCK Verdict: Gloucester may have missed out on the top four, but Wade’s swansong will live long in the memory. Rugby league, brace yourself – Christian Wade is coming.
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Standby Lions Squad Revealed – Owen Farrell Among Reserves
Andy Farrell has named his 38-man British & Irish Lions squad for the 2025 tour to Australia – but the real squad is always bigger. Injuries are inevitable, and history shows the late call-ups often end up as key Test performers.
Just look at 2013. Alex Corbisiero wasn’t selected initially, but after Cian Healy's injury, he flew in and ended up starting the first and third Tests – even scoring in the series decider.
So, who’s most likely to get the call this time? Sky Sports have named Farrell's likely "Standby Lions Squad,"
Standby Watch: Lions 2025
1. Owen Farrell – Fly-half/Centre (England)
- Reason: Farrell stepped back from England duties in 2024 and moved to Racing 92 in France, making him unavailable for the Six Nations. Although highly experienced and a former Lions captain, his recent absence from international competition and possible shift in priorities likely influenced his omission from the main squad. However, his leadership and versatility still make him an ideal standby.
2. Jamie George – Hooker (England)
- Reason: The current England captain had a strong Six Nations, but with rising competition at hooker and his age (mid-30s), selectors may have leaned towards fresher options for the tour. George’s experience and consistent set-piece reliability keep him high on the standby list.
3. Jack Willis – Back-row (England/France)
- Reason: Playing in France (Toulouse) limited his England involvement due to RFU policy. Still, he's one of the most destructive breakdown players in Europe. His form in the Top 14 keeps him in contention, especially if an injury occurs to a fetcher-style flanker.
4. Darcy Graham – Wing (Scotland)
- Reason: Electrifying in attack but has struggled with injuries over the past 12 months. With several in-form wings available, he narrowly missed the squad. If fit and firing, he’s a lethal finisher and a great standby asset.
5. Ben White – Scrum-half (Scotland)
- Reason: Solid Six Nations performances but overshadowed by others like Jamison Gibson-Park and Tomos Williams. White is a steady and intelligent player, offering excellent depth if an injury hits the main scrum-half trio.
6. Craig Casey – Scrum-half (Ireland)
- Reason: The Munster man is seen as one for the future. With Conor Murray aging and Casey impressing domestically, he's on standby as a developing talent who can step in with high energy and tempo.
7. George Ford – Fly-half (England)
- Reason: A proven tactician and game manager but possibly overlooked due to Farrell’s experience and Marcus Smith’s flair. Still, Ford’s cool head and strategic kicking game make him a dependable option if needed.
8. Robbie Henshaw – Centre (Ireland)
- Reason: A 2021 Lion and long-standing midfield rock, but recent injury setbacks and the rise of players like Bundee Aki and Ollie Lawrence edged him out. Henshaw’s versatility and big-match experience earn him a place on standby.
9. Sam Prendergast – Fly-half (Ireland)
- Reason: A rising star and seen as Ireland’s long-term 10. While still inexperienced at senior international level, his raw talent and playmaking vision make him a developmental pick on standby – and a serious consideration for the future.
10. Blair Murray – Full-back (Scotland)
- Reason: A surprise name for some, Murray has shown strong form and promise with Edinburgh. Likely included for his pace, counter-attacking threat, and utility value across the back three. He's a development player who may be blooded for the next tour.
Quiz: Name these 10 retro rugby players #2
If you’re over 30 and can’t name these iconic rugby stars from the 2000s, we have to ask: were you really paying attention? Back by popular demand, it’s time for part two of our nostalgic quiz.
From stunning tries to unforgettable moments—and yes, some hairstyles we’d rather forget—these players were at the heart of rugby’s golden era. If the names don’t come flooding back, it might be time to fire up YouTube and relive the magic.
Think you’ve got what it takes to ace this one? Let’s find out. Good luck!
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