Nathan Charles reveals motor neurone disease diagnosis at 37

Former Wallaby hooker Nathan Charles, 37, said during a Stan Sport interview with former Wallaby-turned-commentator Justin Harrison that he has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease, which he said occurred "in the last few weeks."

Charles, who became the first person with cystic fibrosis to play a contact sport professionally, represented Australia in four Test matches and retired from professional rugby in 2018.

At club level he played Super Rugby for the Western Force and the Melbourne Rebels and had playing stints in England and France.

Describing the period before the diagnosis, Charles said: "For a long period there I just didn’t know what it was," and added, "I’ve had that many tests, seen that many doctors and it just wasn’t getting any outcome, but my health just kept declining."

On receiving the diagnosis he said: "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." He said his initial concern was for his family, including his fiancee Steph, and stated, "My first question was, 'How long have I got?'"

Charles also said: "I know that every person with MND has a different journey, a different path and it affects everyone differently." He added, "I know there’s no cure and … your physicality, your body deteriorates and, yeah, your life cuts short."

Charles revealed his diagnosis is the same disease as retired South Sydney NRL star Jai Arrow.

Since retiring from playing, he has worked as chief executive of Rugby WA and has helped run Sydney Uni rugby.