Former Australia rugby international Nathan Charles, who overcame cystic fibrosis to forge a professional career in a contact sport, 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 with former Wallabies lock and now commentator Justin Harrison on Stan Sport this week, Charles revealed 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 many tests and seen many doctors, but we just weren't getting any answers.
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 in England with Gloucester, Bath and Wasps. Since retiring, he has served as chief executive of Rugby Western Australia and been involved with Sydney University Rugby Club.
Former England rugby captain and 2003 World Cup winner Lewis Moody was diagnosed with MND last year. Other high-profile rugby players to have died from the disease in recent years include Rob Burrow and Scottish rugby union great 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 was told he might not live past the age of 10.
"I am constantly pushing the boundaries and am living proof that anything is possible," he said in a post raising awareness of 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]." Now, he said he is trying to deal with a medical setback for which there is currently no cure. "I was born with a life-threatening illness.
I've given that a red-hot crack. Now this other thing comes along," he said. "I find it quite ironic that something else will strike me down rather than what I've been dealing with for my whole life." The Australian team, who are preparing for Bledisloe Cup Tests against the New Zealand All Blacks this month, posted a message of support on social media.
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