Christian Wade one try from equalling Premiership record as Newcastle host Sale

Christian Wade is one try away from equalling Chris Ashton's Premiership try-scoring record, and he starts on the wing when Newcastle host Sale on Friday. Ashton holds the record with 101 tries. Wade needs two to break it outright, according to BBC Sport.

Wade scored his 100th Premiership try in Newcastle's last game, against Exeter. The Premiership is England's top division of club rugby union, where teams play each other across a league season. A try, worth five points, is scored by grounding the ball over the opposition's try line. Wingers like Wade usually play on the far edges of the field, where chances to finish moves often come.

Sale have their own story to follow. Tom and Ben Curry will start together in the back row, the trio of loose forwards (two flankers and a number eight) who compete for the ball on the ground after tackles. It is the first time the brothers have started side by side in that role since June 2025.

For Ben, Friday is his first league start of the season. He missed almost all of last season with a hamstring problem, the muscle at the back of the thigh. Tom has played only three games since February. One of those came for England A this summer.

Newcastle have their own returns to note. Centre Will Rigg is back from an injury that has kept him out since early September. Full-back Josh Hodge makes his first Premiership start after recovering from a broken hand. The full-back is the last defender between the attack and the try line, so his kicking and positioning matter a great deal.

It is a fitting game for a record chase. Wade has spent his career finishing chances, and Friday gives him a fresh opportunity to add to his tally. Whether he gets there will depend on how the game unfolds, and on whether Sale's back row can slow Newcastle's ball down.

For anyone new to the sport, the simplest way to follow the match is to watch the try count. Every score takes Wade closer to the record, and every turnover at the breakdown tells you which side is winning the fight for possession.