Earlier this week, it was reported that Christian Wade was making a move that has become shockingly popular in recent years.

Rumours abounded that Wade, the Wasps winger and try-scoring machine, had decided to prematurely call time on his professional rugby career in order to have a crack at the NFL.

And those rumours have now been confirmed, with Wade himself coming out and declaring that he's already set to start his specialised American football training next week. 

Speaking in an interview with Sky Sports before the International Series matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium, Wade revealed why he was making the big move, and admitted that it wasn't as simple as just deciding to hang up his boots on a whim. 

“It’s been a very difficult decision for me, giving up my career in rugby," he said. "Wasps have been so incredible to me, they’ve looked after me from the age of 16 all the way up to now and the fans have been great, the RFU have been great as well."

"Like I said, it’s been a very difficult decision for me to leave but I’ve now got the opportunity to go into the Player Pathway program like you’ve seen some of the other guys do. It’s something that I don’t take lightly. I’m going to be starting my training regime literally next week and it’s a huge mountain to climb."

Wade admitted that he knows the journey is going to be hard, and he'd be bucking the trend if he became a starter and key component on a team.

"There’s so much to learn in such a small space of time but for me I’ve always been someone who’s always given it 100% and my aim is to give it the best I can and hopefully I can try and compete with these guys in the NFL. There’s some phenomenal athletes but I believe in my skills and hopefully I’m good enough.”

Wade himself is a phenomenal athlete, which will likely be his saving grace. Expected to run a 4.3 in the 40-yard-dash, that type of speed will make NFL coaches drool over his potential, which should get the 27-year-old a shot. 

Will he make it in the league? We don't know yet, but we're all rooting for him.