Gloucester’s Slater, 33, is diagnosed with MND

GLOUCESTER forward Ed Slater has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

The 33-year-old former Leicester captain has retired from rugby with immediate effect.

His club said: ‘Gloucester Rugby is deeply pained to announce that Ed Slater has been diagnosed with 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. ‘Everyone at Gloucester — players, management and staff — are entirely committed to supporting Ed, his wife Jo and his three children in whatever way required.’