Christian Wade confirms his return to the Gallagher Prem

Monday, 08 September 2025 at 10:47

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byRugby Rucker

at Jack Crowley on the turf. Yes, really.

Newcastle Red Bulls have secured a huge coup with the signing of proven finisher Christian Wade, who returns to rugby union this December after a spell with Super League champions Wigan Warriors.

The 34-year-old, second on the Gallagher Premiership’s all-time try list with 93, is just eight behind Chris Ashton’s record. His seven Premiership hat-tricks remain unmatched, while he bagged 11 tries in 14 games for Gloucester last season.

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Red Bulls director of rugby Steve Diamond hailed the move, saying:
“Christian has scored tries wherever he has been and remains one of the best finishers in the game. He performed to a really high standard for Gloucester last season and challenged himself by joining the best rugby league team in the country.

“I’ve always been impressed by his ability on the field, but when we met I was struck by what an articulate and ambitious guy he is. As well as adding massively to our playing ability I truly believe he will be a great character within our group.”

Wade, who has also represented England and the British & Irish Lions, is relishing the move north.
“There’s massive buzz about the whole Newcastle Red Bulls project, and I can’t wait to be part of it,” he said. “Red Bull are a commercial and sporting giant, and any athlete would want to be associated with something like that.”

Wade has made no secret of his desire to become the Premiership’s record scorer.
“I’m coming to get that record,” he declared. “Of course rugby is a team sport, but I’m not going to pretend I don’t want to be the all-time top try-scorer.”

He also paid tribute to Wigan:
“It’s been an absolute honour to be involved with such a great club. Their fans are incredible, and I’ll take nothing but fond memories away before arriving in Newcastle in December.”

Owen Farrell and Two Springboks Named on Controversial ‘Most Hated’ Rugby List

ith old villains like Johnny Sexton and Dan Biggar hanging up their boots, a fresh crop of love-to-hate stars has taken over. And yes, two Springboks have made the cut — with one

storming to the top of the list.

A new fan poll has settled the debate (for now): these are the players supporters love to loathe. And the name at number one? It might just shock you

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#6. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa/Sharks)

Position: Lock
Caps: 131 (as of 2025)
Major Honours: ? 2x Rugby World Cup winner (2019, 2023)

A walking menace on the field, Etzebeth is the definition of a player you love on your team and loathe on the opposition. Brutal in the tackle, master of the dark arts in the ruck, and never far from an off-the-ball scrap. His sheer physical dominance and fiery temperament make him a nightmare for rivals.

That being said, many fans admire his old-school enforcer mentality — just as long as he's not slamming your favourite player into next week.

RUCK Verdict:
“One of the game’s last true hard men — and one of the most divisive.”

#5. Owen Farrell (England/Racing 92)

Position: Fly-Half/Centre
Caps: 112
Major Honours: ? England captain, 3x Six Nations titles, 3x Lions tours

Once the undisputed No.1 on this list, Farrell has seen the hate ease up a bit since stepping away from England duty in 2024. But don’t be fooled — his infamous “shoulder-first” tackling style, fiery competitiveness, and snarling leadership still rile up fans and pundits alike.

Farrell's critics point to repeated high tackles and lenient disciplinary treatment, while supporters admire his elite mentality and unwavering loyalty. It's sad his world-class talent isn't recognised due to his constant role as the pantomime villain, as a lot of the 2025 Lions coverage has shown.

RUCK Verdict:
“Still England’s pantomime villain — unless he’s your guy. Then he walks on water.”

#4. Stuart Hogg (Scotland)

Position: Full-Back
Caps: 100
Major Honours: ? British & Irish Lions (2013, 2017, 2021), 2x Six Nations Player of the Championship

Hogg's fall from grace has been swift and sad. Once a beloved figure in Scottish rugby and known for his attacking brilliance, recent headlines have painted a darker picture. Legal issues and personal controversies have led to widespread public criticism.

Despite his stunning career on the pitch, it’s his off-field actions — including pleading guilty to prolonged domestic abuse — that have landed him on this list.

RUCK Verdict:
“A tragic descent from fan favourite to tabloid target.”

#3. Tomás Lavanini (Argentina)

Position: Lock
Caps: 86
Major Honours: ? Key figure in Pumas’ historic wins over All Blacks and England

When you think of disciplinary records, you think Lavanini. The towering Argentine has earned a reputation as rugby’s ultimate red card magnet. Reckless tackles, repeated bans, and a total disregard for subtlety define his chaotic playing style.

He’s cleaned up his act — somewhat — in recent years, but the image of him flying into a ruck like a missile is hard to forget.

RUCK Verdict:
“A walking yellow card — and somehow still box office.”

#2. Israel Folau (Australia & Tonga)

Position: Full-Back/Wing
Caps: 73 (Australia), 6 (Tonga)
Major Honours: ? Waratahs Super Rugby Champion, dual international (NRL & rugby union)

Once a generational talent and one of the most exciting backs in world rugby, Folau’s downfall was fast and public. In 2019, he was sacked by Rugby Australia after posting a series of homophobic social media messages — citing his religious beliefs.

He took legal action for unfair dismissal, resulting in a confidential settlement. Folau later switched allegiance to represent Tonga under World Rugby’s eligibility changes. His return has sparked both support and outrage — no middle ground here.

RUCK Verdict:
“A career undone by controversy. From electric to exiled — and back again.”

#1. Jaden Hendrikse (South Africa/Sharks)

Position: Scrum-Half
Caps: 20
Major Honours: ? Rugby World Cup winner (2023)

The latest entry, and a surprising one at that. Hendrikse earned fans’ ire after his antics in the URC quarter-final vs Munster, where he appeared to fake cramp and delay a crucial kick — before winking

The mind games might have worked, but it struck many as unsportsmanlike, especially on such a big stage. His place at the top of this list shows how quickly reputations can sour — even for a young World Cup winner.

Can You Name Every 2021 British & Irish Lions Player?

Think you remember the 2021 Lions tour of South Africa? It’s been a few years since that brutal, bruising, and controversial Test series — but true rugby heads never forget.

RUCK’s Lions content is powered by ISUZU.

42 players were named in Warren Gatland’s final squad
The Lions won the First Test 22-17, but the Springboks hit back to win the series 2-1
The decider? A gritty 19-16 Springbok victory that still stings for many fans

Now it's time to test your memory.