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.
