The name of Christian Wade has been listed alongside the most prolific scorers in the history of the Premiership, with or without the ball, since at least the start of this season, when he came out publicly, admittedly seeking to reach the all-time Premiership record of 101 tries held openly by Chris Ashton. But can Wade catch up with Ashton? We shall dissect the facts, form, and context.
Where things stand
At the top of the list is Chris Ashton with 101 Premiership tries – the standard that Wade has to meet. According to the recent reports, Wade has 93 Premiership tries, eight behind Ashton’s 101. It is his first season in the English top-flight since leaving the union (tried the NFL and a spell in rugby league), and he has made it clear that he is after the record as a personal challenge.
Why Wade has a real case
- Experienced sense and turnover: Wade stands out as a try-scorer in various spells within the Premiership and other events with record finishing skills. His scoring record both on his initial ascent up Wasps and his scoring spurt at Gloucester recently show he can still cross the whitewash on a regular basis.
- Hat-trick history: Wade has already delivered more than one hat-trick in his career – an indication of the explosive breaking-the-game-open nature that can speed up an all-time pursuit.
- Motivation and focus: He has openly declared that he has the record in his cross-hairs, and a goal like that can influence playing decisions (remaining in the Premiership, joining teams in which he will receive a share of the game and touches).
Hurdles stacked against him
- Age and wear: Wade is in his mid-30s. Wingers depend on speed and quick recovery more than anyone should, and neither of these can be expected to improve with age. The career that has already passed through code switches and the accumulated knocks makes longevity less definite, which is why both fans and punters check minutes and fitness alongside live rugby scores on Sportytrader to gauge try potential.
- Games and minutes needed: Having taken about eight attempts to do so, Wade will still have to have repeated appearances throughout numerous seasons of the Premiership (or an unbelievable scoring spurt) to score more than Ashton– not unthinkable, but he must remain fit and the one picked.
- Club context matters: Team quality and style play a major part in try counts. Playing on a side that receives a lot of front ball and finishes off overlaps provides a winger with more opportunities compared to playing on a side that is under constant pressure. The choice and role Wade takes in the club will be a decisive one then.
What it would take – realistically
Wade would be in the reckoning with two solid full seasons in the Premiership of 4-6 tries per season; an outburst season (10 or more tries) would achieve it quicker. Further, he will need to avoid lengthy injuries or transfers off the Premiership so he does not miss out on a long history of records. His career history demonstrates that he is flexible, but crossing codes or the whole league is an energy sucking endeavour.
The X-Factors
- Coaching and tactics: A coach who values wing finishes would drastically increase the chances of Wade.
- Squad competition: Young wingers who want minutes may curtail his playing time.
- Cup rotations and congestion of fixtures: Increased competitions lead to more scoring opportunities, but also higher fatigue and risk.
Verdict
Short answer: yes – but it would be an achievement. Wade possesses the finishing pedigree, the new shape, and the popular purpose to run at the record of Ashton of 101 tries. Nevertheless, age, the number of required Premiership tries, and required permanent fitness and club hours make it a difficult, though not a certain, result. When Wade remains in the Premiership, he is the first-choice wing, and if he avoids injury, then he has a real chance within the next 12-24 months. When he slips into codes or limited-minute performances, the record will probably be beyond reach.
Final thought
Records are not only about talent but also about opportunity. The story of Christian Wade, speed, stops, and starts in sports and in codes, provides him with a powerful narrative of one final burst to Premiership immortality. Having to do with Ashton will depend upon game time, the fitness of the two teams, and a little finishing-room luck. Monitor his minutes and his list of opponents; the tries are continuing to come, so this race might have a finish to the line.
