Leicester Tigers are extremely saddened to learn that former club captain Ed Slater has announced that he has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

Fan favourite Slater, who has today announced his retirement as a player, spent seven years with Tigers from 2010, making 136 appearances including two seasons as club captain in 2014/15 and 2015/16, as well as captaining England to victory over the Crusaders on the 2014 tour to New Zealand before moving to Gloucester.

The club sends its support to Ed and his family following today’s announcement of the confirmation of his diagnosis and retirement as a player.

Club chairman Peter Tom said: “I have been in contact with Ed and I know that everyone connected with the Tigers, including the players, staff and our supporters, will join me in passing on very best wishes and full support to him, his wife and his children.”

A statement from Ed’s current club Gloucester announcing his retirement from rugby today said: “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 and his family consider their 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.

To donate, go to justgiving.com/crowdfunding/gloucesterrugby-4ed

For more information on MND please visit www.mndassociation.org.