ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Ed Slater releases powerful statement following Motor Neurone Disease diagnosis

BY Jack Tunney  ·  Friday Jul 22, 2022

In horribly sad news, Gloucester lock Ed Slater has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) following months of testing. 

ADVERTISEMENT

The 33-year-old has not played rugby since January, and due to his now diagnosed condition has decided to hang up his boots for good.

Slater has made 78 appearances for Gloucester since 2017 and has been an incredibly highly regarded player and professional.

Prior to his time with the cherry and whites, Slater started his career off in the Eastern Suburbs of Australia, before travelling back across the globe to play for Nottingham in the English Championship. It was from here that Slater took the opportunity to move on up to the Premiership with Leicester Tigers, even going on to win the league in the 2012-2013 season.

Slater achieved international honours with the England Saxons, most notably beating the Crusaders in New Zealand back in 2014.

Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is an uncommon condition that affects the brain and nerves. It causes weakness that gets worse over time.

There’s no cure for MND, but there are treatments to help reduce the impact it has on a person’s daily life. Some people live with the condition for many years.

Ed has come out on Twitter within the past hour to express his gratitude and let all know that hope is not lost:

The rugby community has come together in support for Ed Slater in this difficult time. A statement from Gloucester Rugby Club reads:

ADVERTISEMENT

“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.

ADVERTISEMENT

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

Fellow players and staff have come out on Twitter to detail their support and love for Ed as well:

To find out more about the condition, please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/motor-neurone-disease/

Related Articles

  • 42 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Gray to exit Exeter Chiefs with immediate...

  • 42 WEEKS AGO

    Former Connacht hooker shares brilliant rugby...

  • 42 WEEKS AGO

    Official calls halt to play amidst double-call...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Flying frenchman scores tremendous try for Toulon

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Young England hopeful continues to impress with double against Stade Français

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Full throttle Premiership final rematch ends in heartache

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Santiago Carreras scores a blinder in front of thrilled Kingsholm crowd

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Kildunne finishes off STUNNING team try

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 11 WEEKS AGO

    Wallabies wunderkind Sua'ali' and Scotland captain Tuipulotu clash

  • 12 WEEKS AGO

    Ireland 'steal' Argentina's opening try as debate rages

  • 14 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: The biggest hit from week one of the Autumn Nations Series

  • 17 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 17 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    SHOCK results in the PWR keeps top four race thrilling

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Santiago Carreras scores a blinder in front of thrilled Kingsholm crowd

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Kildunne finishes off STUNNING team try

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Supporters can't believe Saracens Sharp's UNBELIEVABLE finish

  • 13 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

View All

Funnies

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Nightmare blunder from Exeter winger as try goes wanting

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    'A dog with a mallet up its arse could’ve written Johnny’s book' Donnacha O'Callaghan

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    ‘The knee slide was too much’ - Ben Earl reflects on THAT viral moment

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    U.S. Army Special Operations Sergeant Major makes big claim about rugby

  • 13 WEEKS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

View All

Amateur

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Nightmare blunder from Exeter winger as try goes wanting

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Santiago Carreras scores a blinder in front of thrilled Kingsholm crowd

  • 109 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 109 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 132 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

View All

Player Features

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    The Capuozzo try that jump-started Italy's victory

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    RugbyDump's top five backrows in 2024

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    ‘The knee slide was too much’ - Ben Earl reflects on THAT viral moment

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Marcus Smith makes big call on his future

  • 12 WEEKS AGO

    'Eligible for England' - Fans react to South African star's contract announcement

View All