Gloucester second tier retires after being diagnosed with motor neuron disease aged 33
The sport of rugby was in shock on Thursday when news broke that Gloucester lock Ed Slater had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease.
Slater, 33, later retired from playing with immediate effect, with Gloucester issuing a statement confirming the devastating news.
“Gloucester Rugby is deeply saddened to announce that Ed Slater has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease,” the Premiership outfit wrote.
Six months of testing
“After six months of testing, Ed’s diagnosis was confirmed last week, and as a result, with the support of 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 – is fully committed to supporting Ed, his wife Jo and his three children in any way necessary.
“We know the same will be true for Gloucester and Leicester fans, and the wider rugby community.
“While Ed, his family and the club take the time to determine next steps, Gloucester Rugby has opened a JustGiving page.
“The direction of these funds will be determined in due course, whether to directly support Ed and his family and/or a selected MND charity.
“Neither the club nor the Slater family will comment further at this time, and kindly request that these wishes be respected.”
Slater, who also played for Leicester and the England Saxons during his career, signed for the Cherry and Whites in 2017 after seven years with Tigers.
Slater offered his support
Leicester were “extremely saddened” by the news, while Premiership Rugby tweeted: “Everyone at Premiership Rugby would like to offer their 100% support to Ed, his family and @gloucesterrugby We will support you @edslater in what is the best for you and your family.”
Meanwhile, the Rugby Players’ Association tweeted: “The team and members of RPA are extremely saddened to learn of @edslater’s retirement today due to a diagnosis of MND. He was an exceptional player for Gloucester and Leicester during his long and distinguished career.
“We will always be here to help and support Ed and his family as they face the challenges ahead, and we will be there to provide them with our dedicated services during this difficult time.”
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The article Ed Slater: Gloucester second row retires after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease aged 33 appeared first on Planetrugby.com.