Former Wallaby hooker Nathan Charles, the first person with cystic fibrosis to play a contact sport professionally anywhere in the world, has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND). The 37-year-old, who won four Test caps for Australia, revealed the diagnosis in an interview with Stan Sport.
Diagnosis came after months of uncertainty
Speaking to former Wallaby turned commentator Justin Harrison, Charles said he had only recently learned he had the condition, the same disease that forced retired South Sydney NRL star Jai Arrow to step away from the game.
“For a long period there I just didn’t know what it was,” said Charles, who retired from professional rugby in 2018. “I’ve had that many tests, seen that many doctors and it just wasn’t getting any outcome, but 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. And, yeah, just at times quite cruel.”
Family first after the news
With no cure yet available for MND, Charles said his first thought was for his family, including his fiancee Steph.
“My first question was, ‘How long have I got?’” the former hooker said. “I know that every person with MND has a different journey, a different path and it affects everyone differently.”
“I know there’s no cure and … your physicality, your body deteriorates and, yeah, your life cuts short.”
Career and life after rugby
Charles played Super Rugby for the Western Force and Melbourne Rebels and also had stints in England and France. Since retiring, he has worked as chief executive of Rugby WA and helped run Sydney Uni rugby.
