Christian Wade reaches 100 Premiership tries to close on Ashton record

Christian Wade moved within one try of Chris Ashton’s Premiership record after scoring a hat-trick in Newcastle Red Bulls’ 34–28 defeat at Exeter Chiefs.

The 35-year-old became only the second player to reach 100 tries in the competition, leaving him one short of Ashton’s total of 101. Two more would give Wade the record outright.

His landmark score came early in the second half at Sandy Park, when he seized on a loose ball, kicked ahead and won the chase to complete his treble.

TNT Sports’ footage of Wade’s 100th try captured the finish which brought him to the brink of history.

Christian Wade closes on Premiership try record

Wade began the afternoon on 97 league tries and wasted little time adding to that tally.

His first cancelled out Ross Vintcent’s early opener, while his second helped Newcastle take a 21–19 lead into half-time. Completing the hat-trick restored the visitors’ advantage after Sam Harris had scored for Exeter.

The milestone could not secure Newcastle’s first league win of the season, however.

Henry Slade’s penalty put Exeter back in front before Bachuki Tchumbadze’s late try settled the match. Vintcent scored twice for the Chiefs, with Slade and Harris also crossing.

Newcastle collected two bonus points after scoring four tries and finishing within seven points, but Wade’s individual achievement was the standout moment of their afternoon.

It capped a prolific weekend for Premiership wings, following Ollie Sleightholme’s hat-trick in Northampton’s remarkable 71–48 victory over Bath.