Share

Former Welsh hooker suffering from Motor Neurone Disease

Cape Town - Former Welsh hooker Ken Waters has confirmed he is suffering from Motor Neuron Disease. 

According to the WalesOnline website, the 57-year-old has the same incurable illness that took the life of Springbok legend Joost van der Westhuizen at the age of just 45 last February. 

Waters' only Test cap came at the 1991 Rugby World Cup when Wales were stunned 16-13 by Samoa in what was largely considered the biggest upset in World Cup history - at the time. 

"It was probably from 2015 that I realised something was wrong. I was training for a vets 10s tournament with Caerleon and just kept going over on an ankle," Waters said in an interview with WalesOnline.

"I thought 'what’s going on here' because I hadn’t injured myself. I went to my doctor after the tour and explained what was happening.

"He sent me to a podiatrist but realised my calf was starting to shrink on my right leg and said: 'Right, you need to go and see a neurologist'."

Waters acknowledged that the diagnosis came as a "devastating shock" and that he was in a "bad place", but that he had since gotten out of that dark space and that he was trying to remain positive. 

FULL STORY

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1473 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2252 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE