Christian Wade ties Chris Ashton's 101-try record as Newcastle Red Bulls secure their first league win against Sale Sharks.
On a blustery Friday night at Kingston Park, veteran winger Christian Wade wrote his name into the history books by scoring his 101st Premiership try, according to information published by BBC.
The milestone moment came just nine minutes into the second half of a gritty encounter, drawing Wade level with rugby legend Chris Ashton at the top of the all-time scoring charts.
That pivotal score helped the Newcastle Red Bulls grind out a 17-3 victory over the Sale Sharks, marking their first Premiership win of the season in difficult, gusty weather conditions.
Wade equals Chris Ashton record at Kingston Park
The match was dominated by tactical kicking, penalties, and stubborn defense during a scoreless first half where England fly-half George Ford kicked a solitary penalty for Sale.
Newcastle eventually seized their opportunity when Brett Connon kicked to the corner from 40 meters out, leading to a sweeping passing movement that put Wade over in the right corner.
Newcastle coach Dan McFarland praised Wade as a high-energy player who inherently knows how to find the tryline, noting that the winger was already hunting for a second score.
George McGuigan seals victory for Newcastle Red Bulls
Following Wade's historic score, Newcastle stretched their lead further when hooker George McGuigan dotted down at the back of a powerful rumbling maul just after the hour mark.
Josh Hodge added a crucial conversion and a close-range chip over, bringing his personal match tally to seven points and cementing the final 17-3 scoreline for the hosts.
The hard-fought result leaves Harlequins as the only team yet to register a single win in the Premiership this season, providing Newcastle with a much-needed morale boost.
Dan McFarland reacts to first league win of the season
Newcastle coach Dan McFarland expressed his delight after the final whistle, stating that a massive amount of physical effort and defensive resilience went into the performance.
McFarland emphasized that the victory is not a magical turning point in a long journey, but rather a rewarding outcome for the hard work his squad has invested.
Sale Sharks arrived at Kingston Park unbeaten in their previous two league outings, making Newcastle's defensive discipline under their own posts all the more vital.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Premiership tries has Christian Wade scored?
Christian Wade has scored 101 Premiership tries, officially equaling Chris Ashton's all-time try-scoring record during a match against Sale Sharks in October 2026.
What was the final score between Newcastle and Sale?
Newcastle Red Bulls defeated Sale Sharks 17-3 at Kingston Park, securing their first Premiership victory of the season.
Who scored Newcastle's tries against Sale Sharks?
Christian Wade scored his historic milestone try in the right corner, and George McGuigan added a second try from the back of a powerful maul.
