Rugby has been rocked by the news that English Premiership star Ed Slater has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND).
The 33-year-old England Saxons international, who has been a fan favourite at Leicester and Gloucester, has retired from professional rugby with immediate effect. News of his condition has resulted in an outpouring of support, with the Scarlets, Leinster, Saracens, Harlequins, Munster and Ulster among the clubs to send their best wishes to him, while many people have expressed their shock and sadness.
A statement from Gloucester, who the back-five forward has been with for the last five years, reads: “Gloucester Rugby is deeply pained to announce that Ed Slater has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND). Following six months of testing, Ed’s diagnosis was confirmed last week and as a result, with the support of his family, friends and Gloucester Rugby, he has made the difficult decision to retire from professional rugby with immediate effect.
“Everyone at Gloucester Rugby - players, management and staff - are entirely committed to supporting Ed, his wife Jo and his three children in whatever way required. We know the same will be true of Gloucester and Leicester fans, and the wider rugby community. While Ed, his family and the club take time to determine next steps, Gloucester Rugby have opened a JustGiving page. The direction of these funds will be determined in due course, whether it be supporting Ed and his family directly and/or a selected MND charity.”
Born in Leicester, Slater began his rugby career at Milton Keynes before moving to Australia where he played for Eastern Suburbs in Sydney. After returning to the UK, he joined Nottingham, before linking up with his hometown club Leicester in the summer of 2010.
He played 148 games for the Tigers at lock and flanker ahead of switching to Gloucester in 2017, going on to make some 90 appearances for the Cherry and Whites, while playing four times for England Saxons. Gloucester say they are grateful for the support already provided by the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, which was set up by former Scottish international Doddie Weir, who revealed he was suffering from motor neurone disease in 2017.
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