Former Wallaby hooker Charles confirms MND diagnosis

Former Australia rugby international Nathan Charles, who overcame cystic fibrosis to forge a professional career in a contact sport, has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND).

The 37-year-old Charles, who made his Test debut in 2014 and earned four caps for the Wallabies, including a 12-12 draw against New Zealand, revealed he has been diagnosed with the same illness as recently retired National Rugby League star Jai Arrow.

MND is an umbrella term for a group of progressive neurological conditions where the motor neurones degenerate. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common form, and ALS is often called Lou Gehrig's disease.

During an interview with former Wallabies lock and now commentator Justin Harrison on Stan Sport this week, Charles revealed he had only recently been diagnosed.