Former Wallabies hooker Nathan Charles diagnosed with MND after health decline

Sydney (AP) — Former Australian rugby international Nathan Charles, who battled cystic fibrosis to play professionally, has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND). The 37-year-old made his Test debut in 2014 and earned four caps for the Wallabies. Charles, who retired from rugby in 2018, revealed his MND diagnosis to Stan Sport host Justin Harrison.

He said his health had been progressively declining despite numerous tests and doctors' appointments. MND is a group of progressive neurological conditions where motor neurones degenerate, often leading to ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease). Charles played for the Perth-based Western Force, Melbourne Rebels, and spent time in England and France after retiring.

He is now the CEO of Rugby WA and involved with Sydney University rugby club. Other high-profile MND victims include former England captain Lewis Moody and Scottish rugby star Doddie Weir, who both died from the illness.