Former England wing Christian Wade has moved a step closer to playing in the NFL after being allocated a spot in the Buffalo Bills roster.

After failing to break into the Red Rose squad under Eddie Jones, the ex-Wasps player retired from rugby union last year to pursue a career across the Atlantic.

Wade has been training in Florida since December and will be part of the International Player Pathway Program, which allows the four AFC East franchises to carry an extra player, providing they are from abroad.

As a result, the 27-year-old has been assigned to the Bulls’ initial 91-man group, but the wing will be ineligible to feature for Buffalo during the next NFL campaign.

The ex-wing is seen as a running back and will link up with his new team-mates in May when the first off-season training camp begins.