Former Australia hooker Nathan Charles diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease at the age of 37
By Tom Masters
Published 01/10/2026 at 13:02 GMT+1
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Former Wallaby Nathan Charles has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND). The 37-year-old battled with cystic fibrosis and recovered to have a career in rugby, making his Test debut for Australia in 2014.
Australian Wallabies hooker Nathan Charles
Image credit: Getty Images
Charles went on to earn four caps for the Wallabies, including in a 12-12 Bledisloe Cup draw against New Zealand.
He recently revealed to another former Wallaby, Justin Harrison on Stan Sport, that he has been diagnosed with MND, a neurological condition.
It is the same condition that two of the game’s greats, Doddie Weir and Joost van der Westhuizen, passed away from in recent years.
England World Cup winner Lewis Moody was also recently diagnosed with the condition, as was former Gloucester and Leicester lock Ed Slater.
Rugby League legend Rob Burrow also died after an MND diagnosis, while NRL star Jai Arrow had to retire abruptly from the sport after he too was diagnosed at the age of 30.
A match was recently organised to raise money in aid of the condition, named the 745 game, with each number representing that of Burrow (seven), Slater (four) and Weir (five) in an event that was played across codes.
Charles retired from rugby in 2018, having represented Gloucester, Bath and Wasps in the Gallagher PREM, as well as Western Force and Melbourne Rebels.
He noticed that there was something wrong with his body but was only recently diagnosed with the disease, he revealed.
"For a long period there, I just didn't know what it was," Charles said.
”I've had many tests and seen many doctors, but we just weren't getting any answers. 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.
”I know there's no cure and your physicality, your body, deteriorates and, yeah, your life cuts short."
Charles endured difficulties from an early age, having been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at the age of three.
He was told he may not live beyond the age of 10, he said on his website.
The former hooker has previously spoken about his ”personal mission” to live beyond the age of 37, the life expectancy of someone diagnosed with cystic fibrosis.
Speaking on his two conditions, Charles said: "I was born with a life-threatening illness.
”I've given that a red-hot crack. Now this other thing comes along.
"I find it quite ironic that something else will strike me down rather than what I've been dealing with for my whole life."
Charles was sent a message of support from the Australia squad, who are preparing to take on New Zealand in the Bledisloe Cup.
Captain Harry Wilson said: ”We know you have a tough time ahead, but we're with you on every step of the way, mate” in a post by the Wallabies captioned: ”We’re with you every step of the way, Cheezy.”
A GoFundMe page was also set up for Charles, which has already reached AU$75,352 of the AU$250,000 target.
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