Former rugby union star Christian Wade made a bigger impression than expected in the NFL as he managed to get a deal to sign for the Buffalo Bills.
27-year-old Wade quit English Premiership rugby side Wasps last October to join the NFL's International Pathway Program, which offers players from outside of America a route into the sport.
The NFL on Monday allocated former British rugby player Christian Wade to the Bills under the league's international player pathway program. Wade, who has been training to be a running back, will not count against the 90-man roster and can also be added as an extra member of the practice squad during the regular season but will not be eligible to play in games.
The 27-year-old was expected to be included in the NFL Draft later this month but has instead signed for the Bills after impressing team scouts at his NFL Pro Day last week.
The Bills don't have to count Wade as part of their off-season roster as part of the procedures put in place for the International Pathway Program - which is geared up to give players the best chance possible to succeed.
After the news was announced, Wade said on his official Twitter account that he was "lost for words right now."
Wade, who has been designated as a running back, clocked an impressive 4.53 seconds in his 40-yard dash during the Pro Day, and also gave a good impression during the specific drill she performed for watching NFL scouts.
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