Former Australian 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 won 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 motor neurons 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 Stan Sport this week, Charles revealed that he had only recently been diagnosed.
“For a long period there I just didn’t know what it was,” said Charles, who retired from professional rugby in 2018. “I had a lot of tests and saw a lot of doctors, but we just weren’t getting any answers. My health kept going down.”
“And then recently, in the last few weeks, I was diagnosed with motor neurone disease, which has been extremely challenging and overwhelming. I know there’s no cure and … your physique, your body deteriorates and, yes, your life is shortened.”
Charles played Super Rugby for the Perth-based Western Force and Melbourne Rebels, as well as in England with Gloucester, Bath and Wasps. Since retirement, he has served as chief executive of Rugby Western Australia and has been involved with the 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 who 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 mainly affects the lungs and digestive system, when he was three months old and was told he might not live more than 10 years.
“I’m constantly pushing the boundaries and I’m living proof that anything is possible,” he said in a post raising awareness of the condition. “It is my personal mission to truly surpass the 37-year life expectancy (which is the life expectancy of people with CF).
Now, he said, he’s trying to deal with a medical obstacle for which there is currently no cure.
“I was born with a life-threatening disease. I gave it a hot crack. Now comes this next thing,” he said. “I find it quite ironic that something else is going to hit me harder than what I’ve been dealing with all my life.”
The Australian team, which is preparing for the Bledisloe Cup Tests against the New Zealand All Blacks this month, posted a message of support on social media.
Wallabies captain Harry Wilson said: “We know you have a tough time ahead, but we are with you every step of the way.”
