Ed Slater diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease

Gloucester Rugby has announced 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," commented the club in a statement.

Whilst the evidence around a link between head trauma and dementia seems to be gaining momentum, the same cannot be implied for MND; these diseases have different causes and underlying factors.

MND is a complex disease and, although we now have a much greater understanding of the genetics involved, the link between genes, environmental and lifestyle factors is not well understood.  Further research is critical to unravelling these details.

Ed joined the Cherry & Whites in 2017 following seven years with Leicester Tigers. He has featured in a number of England squads, making his first team appearance as captain against the Canterbury Crusaders in 2014. He was subsequently named captain of Leicester Tigers in the same season before joining the Cherry & Whites, where he quickly solidified his place as a first team regular as well as a much admired, respected and loved member of the squad.