Diagnosis: In September 2025, the former England rugby union captain received a diagnosis of motor neurone disease (MND) after noticing unusual weakness in his shoulder while exercising in the gym.
He visited a physio before being referred to a specialist, who confirmed the condition via scans of his neck and an MRI.
Positive reaction: Although the diagnosis came as a shock to him and his family, he has maintained a positive outlook and publicly noted that the disease has been progressing slowly.
His day-to-day physical symptoms have remained relatively minor, though he has noted a slight decrease in overall finger strength, along with minor hand and shoulder muscle wasting.
Managing the condition: To successfully navigate his daily life, the 47-year-old focuses heavily on resting and managing his overall stamina.
