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Former Wallaby hooker Nathan Charles diagnosed with MND at 37

Charles played professional sport with cystic fibrosisDiagnosis ‘just at times quite cruel’Former Wallaby Nathan Charles, who became the first cystic fibrosis sufferer in the world to play a contact sport professionally, has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND).The 37-year-old…

Published: Thursday, 1 October 2026 at 3:05 PM
Former Wallaby hooker Nathan Charles diagnosed with MND at 37
Key Things to Know
  • Former Wallabies hooker Nathan Charles has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease at age 37.
  • Charles previously became the first person with cystic fibrosis to play professional contact sport.
  • The former hooker earned four caps for Australia and played for Western Force and Melbourne Rebels.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Former Australia hooker Nathan Charles has revealed he has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) at age 37. Charles, who previously made history as the first person with cystic fibrosis to play professional contact sport, shared the news during a Stan Sport interview with former Wallaby Justin Harrison following months of declining health and medical tests.

Charles retired from professional rugby in 2018 after earning four Test caps for the Wallabies, alongside Super Rugby stints with the Western Force and Melbourne Rebels. Since stepping away from playing, he has served as chief executive of Rugby WA and worked with Sydney Uni rugby.

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