The forward became a father for the first time last year
Rugby league star Jai Arrow has been forced to retire from rugby with immediate effect after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND).
The 30-year-old forward, who represented the South Sydney Rabbitohs, received the shock diagnosis after months of medical testing, having not played in the National Rugby League (NRL) since September.
He has now stepped away from rugby after a 10-year career, which saw him also play for the Brisbane Broncos and the Gold Coast Titans, as well as for Queensland in the State of Origin series.
MND is a life-limiting neurological condition which affects motor nerves in the brain and spinal cord, causing muscle weakness, stiffness and paralysis and affecting a person’s ability to walk, talk, swallow and breathe as it progresses.
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While treatment can slow the progress of the disease, there is currently no cure, and it claims the lives of over half of those with the condition within two years of diagnosis.
At a club press conference on Wednesday, an emotional Arrow – who became a father for the first time last year – was unable to speak but confirmed his diagnosis and immediate retirement in a written statement.
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“Thank you for the support I’ve received over what has been an incredibly difficult and uncertain period in my life,” the statement read.
“After extensive medical testing and consultations regarding ongoing symptoms, I have recently received a diagnosis relating to a nerve and neurological condition.
“Further tests, specialist reviews and medical processes are still ongoing, and my doctors are continuing to assess my condition. Over recent months, my symptoms have affected different parts of my everyday life.
“On medical advice, I am not currently medically cleared to train or play at the required level, and I will be stepping away from those duties while I focus fully on my health, treatment, and rehabilitation.”
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After thanking his club, teammates and family for their support, Arrow added: “I know the road ahead won’t be easy, but anyone who knows me knows I’m competitive, stubborn, and ready to fight this with everything I’ve got.
“What I need right now isn’t sympathy or sadness. What I need is support, understanding, and privacy while my family and I navigate this difficult time.
“This is only part of my story, and when the time is right, I’ll share more. But for now, I ask everyone to respect my privacy while I continue working with my doctors and my family.”
Arrow’s diagnosis comes less than nine months after former England rugby union captain Lewis Moody was also told he had MND, while the disease has also tragically claimed the lives of rugby league great Rob Burrow and former Scotland and British & Irish Lions lock Doddie Weir in recent years.
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