Rugby legends to compete in charity match for MND

Former Gloucester Rugby player Ed Slater (centre) was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in 2022

A special charity rugby match featuring "league and union legends" will raise money and awareness for Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

Former Gloucester rugby player Ed Slater was diagnosed with the degenerative condition in July 2022, which led to his immediate retirement from the pitch.

The 745 Game, named after the jersey numbers of the 37-year-old, Rob Burrow and Doddie Weir, who both passed away from MND, takes place at Gloucester's Kingsholm Stadium on Sunday.

The game will raise money for the men's respective charities and feature Joe Marler, Danny Cipriani, Ben Youngs, Adrian Morley, Mike Tindall, Danny McGuire and Keith Senior.

The 745 Game will raise money for Mr Slater's 4Ed charity alongside other MND charities

"We want to put on a show for everyone buying a ticket," Mr Slater said.

"Make it a great day out for people who enjoy rugby, but also for people who want to get behind the MND community.

"It's a chance for everyone to get together and see some league and union legends go head to head in a special game at a special venue."

MND affects nerves in the brain and the spinal cord, affecting the ability to walk, speak, swallow, and breathe.

Mr Slater founded the 4Ed charity following his diagnosis to raise awareness and funds to provide grants, equipment, home adaptations and emotional support.

The UK's first purpose-built facility for the disease, The Rob Burrow Centre, opened in Leeds on 3 November.

Mr Slater said to see specialist staff in a dedicated space "is a big step forward for the MND community", and hoped it would "inspire other hospital trusts around the country to follow suit".