Gloucester lock Ed Slater diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, retires from rugby with immediate effect | Rugby Union News

A Gloucester statement read: “Following six months of testing, Ed’s diagnosis was confirmed last week and as a result, with the support of family, friends and Gloucester, he has made the difficult decision to retire from professional rugby”; Slater joined Gloucester from Leicester in 2017

Gloucester lock Ed Slater has retired from rugby with immediate effect after being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease

Gloucester lock Ed Slater has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease and retired from rugby with immediate effect.

The 33-year-old, who joined Gloucester from Leicester in 2017, represented England Saxons four times during his career.

Gloucester revealed in a statement that Slater has been undergoing tests for six months and that they have now opened a JustGiving page.

The statement read: “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.

“Neither the club nor the Slater family will be making any further comment at this time and kindly request that those wishes be respected.”