Former Wallabies hooker Nathan Charles diagnosed with MND after health decline
Advertisement
Read this article for free:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
To continue reading, please subscribe:
Digital Subscription
One year of digital access for only $205*
- Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
- Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
- Access News Break, our award-winning app
- Play interactive puzzles
*First annual payment billed as $205.00 + GST for one year. This annual subscription will automatically renew at $233.00 + GST every 52 weeks (10% off the regular annual price of $259.35). Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.
To continue reading, please subscribe:
Add Free Press access to your Brandon Sun subscription for only an additional
$1 for the first 4 weeks*
- Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
- Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
- Access News Break, our award-winning app
- Play interactive puzzles
*Your next Brandon Sun subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $17.95 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $24.95 plus GST every four weeks.
Read unlimited articles for free today:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
SYDNEY (AP) — Former Australia rugby international Nathan Charles, who overcame cystic fibrosis to play a contact sport professionally, has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND).
The 37-year-old Charles, who made his test debut in 2014 and earned four caps for the Wallabies, including a 12-12 draw against New Zealand, revealed he has been diagnosed with the same illness as recently retired National Rugby League star Jai Arrow.
MND is an umbrella term for a group of progressive neurological conditions where the motor neurones degenerate. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common form, and ALS is often called Lou Gehrig’s disease.
During an interview this week on Stan Sport with former Wallaby and now commentator Justin Harrison, Charles said he had only recently been diagnosed.
“For a long period there I just didn’t know what it was,” Charles, who retired from professional rugby in 2018 said. “I’ve had that many tests, seen that many doctors and it just wasn’t getting any outcome, but my health just kept declining.
“And then recently, in the last few weeks, I was actually diagnosed with motor neurone disease, which has been extremely challenging and overwhelming. I know there’s no cure and … your physicality, your body deteriorates and, yeah, your life cuts short.”
Charles played Super Rugby for the Perth-based Western Force and Melbourne Rebels, as well as stints in England and France. Since retiring he has worked as chief executive of Rugby WA and been involved in the Sydney University rugby club.
Lewis Moody, the former England rugby captain and 2003 World Cup winner, was diagnosed last year with MND.
High-profile players who have died from the illness in recent years include Rob Burrow and Scottish rugby union star Doddie Weir.
Charles, on his personal website, said he was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis, which primarily affects the lungs and digestive system, when he was three months old and told he may not live past 10.
“I am constantly pushing the boundaries and am living proof that anything is possible,” he said in a post to raise awareness for his the condition. “It is my personal mission to truly exceed the life expectancy of 37 years (which is the life expectancy of people with CF).”
___
See AP’s full rugby coverage here