Gloucester’s Ed Slater diagnosed with motor neurone disease and retires from rugby with immediate effect
Gloucester Rugby lock Ed Slater has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.
The Premiership club announced the heartbreaking news on Thursday.
Slater, 33, received the devastating diagnosis last week and will retire from the sport with immediate effect.
A highly respected player, Slater spent seven years at Leicester and was Tigers captain before moving to Gloucester in 2017, where he has since been a regular fixture.
A Gloucester statement read: "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.
"Neither the club nor the Slater family will be making any further comment at this time and kindly request that those wishes be respected."
Motor neurone disease is a rare and incurable condition that affects the brain and nerves, causing progressive weakness.
A number of sporting figures have been diagnosed with MND in recent times.
Former Scottish Rugby Union star Doddie Weir, footballer Stephen Darby and Rugby League legend Rob Burrow are battling the dreadful illness and have become leading lights in the campaign to raise awareness of MND.
Gloucester have set up a fundraising page to show their support for Slater, his wife Jo and their three children.
For more information on MND, visit . You can donate and show your support for Ed Slater and his family