Former Wallabies hooker Nathan Charles has revealed he has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND), eight years after retiring from professional rugby.
The 37-year-old won four caps for Australia between 2014 and 2015, including the Wallabies’ 12-12 draw with New Zealand.
Charles disclosed his diagnosis in an interview with former Wallabies lock Justin Harrison. He said he had spent several months undergoing medical tests and consulting doctors as his health worsened.
“For a long period there I just didn’t know what it was,” Charles said.
“Then recently, in the last few weeks, I was actually diagnosed with motor neurone disease, which has been extremely challenging and overwhelming.”
He said he understood the seriousness of the condition and that there is currently no cure for MND.
The diagnosis is the latest major health challenge faced by Charles, who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when he was three months old. He was reportedly told he might not live beyond the age of 10.
Despite that illness, Charles built a professional career in Australia and England. He played Super Rugby for the Western Force and Melbourne Rebels before moving to England, where he represented Gloucester, Bath and Wasps.
Charles ended his professional rugby career in 2018 after making his four appearances for the Wallabies. He subsequently moved into rugby administration, becoming chief executive of Rugby Western Australia and later working with Sydney University Rugby Club.
MND is a group of progressive neurological conditions affecting the motor neurones responsible for voluntary muscle movement. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common form of the disease.
Charles said the diagnosis had been particularly difficult because of the amount of his life he had already spent managing cystic fibrosis.
“I was born with a life-threatening illness. I’ve given that a red-hot crack. Now this other thing comes along,” he said.
The rugby community has offered its support since Charles made the announcement. The Wallabies posted a message of encouragement, while captain Harry Wilson told the former international that the team would stand by him during the difficult period ahead.
Charles is among several prominent rugby figures to have faced MND. Former England captain Lewis Moody was diagnosed with the disease last year.
Former Scotland international Doddie Weir and rugby league star Rob Burrow both died after battles with MND, as did Springbok great Joost van der Westhuizen.
