Gloucester lock Ed Slater retires after motor neurone disease diagnosis

The Gloucester lock Ed Slater has retired from rugby after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

The 33-year-old made three appearances for the club last season but had previously been a regular since joining the Cherry and Whites from Leicester in 2017.

In a statement released on Thursday the club said: “Gloucester Rugby is deeply pained to announce 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.

“While Ed, his family and the club take time to determine next steps, Gloucester Rugby have opened a JustGiving page. The direction of these funds will be determined in due course, whether it be supporting Ed and his family directly and/or a selected MND charity.”