Former Wallaby Nathan Charles reveals motor neurone disease diagnosis

Former Australia rugby international Nathan Charles has revealed that he has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease, or MND. Charles, 37, made the announcement in an interview with Stan Sport. He played four Tests for the Wallabies in 2014 and retired from professional rugby in 2018 after spells with the Western Force, Melbourne Rebels and clubs in England and France.

He said he had experienced health difficulties for about eight months and had undergone numerous tests and medical consultations without receiving an explanation. He said his condition continued to worsen before he was diagnosed in recent weeks. Charles said his first thoughts after receiving the diagnosis were about the effect on his family.

He also said he had asked doctors how long he had left, noting that MND affects people differently and has no cure. The former hooker said the disease had already significantly affected his life. He uses mobility aids, struggles with daily activities and finds putting on shoes and socks difficult.

Charles had previously been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder that can affect the lungs and other organs. His rugby career was regarded as remarkable because of the condition. Before his first Test, then-Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie said Charles had “defied science”.

MND has also affected other figures in Australian sport. The source referred to the death of former Australian of the Year Neale Daniher and the diagnosis of Queensland State of Origin representative Jai Arrow. Charles said he expected to experience both good and bad periods as the disease progressed.