Top try scorers in Premiership rugby history

Christian Wade began the Gallagher Premiership season with an impressive performance, scoring five tries in the first three games for Newcastle Red Bulls. With this fast start, Wade is nearing the top of the try-scoring record in Premiership Rugby and has the opportunity to equal or surpass the record held by Chris Ashton if he scores against Sale Sharks this weekend.

As of now, the leading ten try scorers in Premiership Rugby history are as follows:

1. Chris Ashton - 101 tries
Clubs: Northampton Saints, Saracens, Sale Sharks, Harlequins, Worcester Warriors, Leicester Tigers
Ashton was the first player to surpass the 100-try mark and remains the most prolific scorer in the league.

2. Christian Wade - 100 tries
Clubs: Wasps, Gloucester, Newcastle Red Bulls
The second player to reach the century mark, Wade has earned a reputation for his speed and skill.

3. Tom Varndell - 92 tries
Clubs: Leicester Tigers, Wasps, Bristol Bears
Varndell was the all-time scoring record holder for five years before Ashton broke his record.

4. Mark Cueto - 90 tries
Clubs: Sale Sharks
Cueto remains the all-time top scorer for a single club.

5. Danny Care - 85 tries
Clubs: Leeds Tykes, Harlequins
Care is noted for his longevity and contribution over nearly two decades.

6. Jonny May - 78 tries
Clubs: Gloucester Rugby, Leicester Tigers
May has also made significant contributions to the England national team.

7. Steve Hanley - 75 tries
Clubs: Sale Sharks
Hanley had a shorter career due to an injury but had an impressive strike rate.

8. Mike Brown - 72 tries
Clubs: Harlequins, Newcastle Falcons, Leicester Tigers
Brown is among the most capped players and left a significant legacy.

9. Matt Banahan - 71 tries
Clubs: Bath Rugby, Gloucester Rugby
Banahan brought a unique size and playing style to the wing position.

10. Paul Sackey - 69 tries
Clubs: Bedford Blues, London Irish, Wasps, Harlequins
Sackey's scoring was enhanced by his stints in France.

Wade needs just one more try to tie with Ashton and two or more to claim the record outright. It appears to be only a matter of time before he secures his place as the top try scorer in Premiership Rugby's history. The current top ten includes players who have all represented England, with Care leading in appearances. The upcoming talents likely to enter this elite group include Ollie Hassell-Collins, Tommy Freeman, and Cadan Murley.