Nathan Charles diagnosed with motor neurone disease after health decline
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 1, 2026, 3:18 AM
Last updated Oct 1, 2026
Former Wallabies hooker Nathan Charles has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) following a decline in his health. The 37-year-old, who played four Test matches for Australia after debuting in 2014, shared his diagnosis during an interview on Stan Sport. MND affects the motor neurones, leading to progressive neurological conditions, with Charles' condition paralleling that of retired NRL player Jai Arrow. After years of declining health and numerous medical evaluations, Charles has now publicly stated the challenge of living with MND. He previously battled cystic fibrosis and has advocated for awareness of both conditions in his post-rugby career.
- •Charles retired from rugby in 2018 after playing for the Wallabies.
- •He revealed his MND diagnosis in an interview this week.
- •Charles previously overcame cystic fibrosis to play professionally.
- •The disease has impacted other rugby players, including Jai Arrow.
- •MND encompasses various progressive neurological conditions.
- 3:18 AMYahoo Sports — Former Wallabies hooker Nathan Charles diagnosed with MND after health decline
"Former Australia rugby international Nathan Charles, who overcame cystic fibrosis to play a contact sport professionally, 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.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NRL•Oct 1, 2026, 4:36 AMDavid Fifita set to be offered big contract
NRL•Oct 1, 2026, 1:42 AMMelbourne Storm provide update on Harry Grant’s future after surprise option reveal
NRL•Oct 1, 2026, 1:21 AMEels priority target revealed as November 1 looms
NRL•Oct 1, 2026, 12:24 AMOne stays, one goes: Talented Dragons brothers make contract calls
NRL•Oct 1, 2026, 12:10 AMKangaroos World Cup selection state of play: Hooker
NRL•Sep 30, 2026, 11:14 PMRaiders eye Storm forward amid forward pack crisis