CHRISTIAN Wade came through a training match at Esher unscathed last night, ending nine months on the sidelines with an ankle injury.

The Wasps winger hadn't played since November but returned the Wasps starting XV in a friendly match at Esher and marked his return with a 60m try.

His try was one of ten scored by Wasps, who also included Joe Launchbury and Matt Mullan in a strong side.

Wade, who played the full match, ran home from 60m in the second half and showed no ill-effects of the ankle injury that ended his season early last winter.

He said: "It was good to be back. I’ve been out for just over nine months and this was my first run out just to see where I am in terms of my injury and fitness.

"I was good to go from the first whistle. The coaches wouldn’t put you into a game if you hadn’t gone through your strides and I’ve been in since the start of pre-season and done my fitness and speed tests.

"I’ve really been put through my strides in training and now I’ve got through a game I’m good to carry on.

"I’ve been anxious and raring to go for quite a while now. Being out for nine months is my longest period away from rugby.

"It’s been quite a stressful time and I’m just really looking forward to the season."