Former Wallaby hooker Nathan Charles diagnosed with MND at 37

The Guardian Sport Thursday 01 October 2026, 15:05 UTC By Australian Associated Press 1 min read

Key Points

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, who played four Test matches for Australia, revealed he has been diagnosed with the same disease as retired South Sydney NRL star Jai Arrow.

Charles played professional sport with cystic fibrosis
Diagnosis ‘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, who played four Test matches for Australia, revealed he has been diagnosed with the same disease as retired South Sydney NRL star Jai Arrow.

Nathan Charles (PERSON) MND (ORG) Charles (PERSON) Wallaby Nathan Charles (PERSON) Australia (LOCATION) South Sydney (ORG) NRL (ORG) Jai Arrow (PERSON)

Originally published by The Guardian Sport Read original →

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Former Wallaby hooker Nathan Charles diagnosed with MND at 37

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