"I'm very slow at tying my own shoelaces" - Five rugby internationals who overcame disabilities

Slade signed his first professional contract with Exeter Chiefs at the age of 18, the same year in which he also developed type 1 diabetes. Under the 2010 Equality Act, type 1 diabetes is defined as a disability, in that it may have a 'substantial, long-term, negative impact on a person's ability to carry out normal, day-to-day activities'.

He was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome, a serious kidney disorder in 1995, and the disease had a significant impact on his playing career and wider life. By 2003 he was on dialysis and in 2004 underwent a kidney transplant. He then attempted a comeback but did not play international rugby again, and retired from professional rugby in 2007. He died unexpectedly on 18 November 2015 after suffering a heart attack associated with his kidney condition.

Former England captain Moody was diagnosed with an inflammatory bowel disease called ulcerative colitis in 2005, but kept his condition secret while continuing to play top-level rugby. Now retired, he wants to raise awareness of the Crohn’s and Colitis UK charity which helps around 260,000 people in the UK with this type of disease.

The superstar Leicester and England prop is thriving. Dyspraxia affects the use of muscles. Different types of dyspraxia can affect writing, speech and other movements involved in learning. Forever inspiring us, Genge has gone onto help kids going through the same tough problems he did while also making the England Rugby World Cup Squad.

McKinley was forced into early retirement in 2011 after he lost the sight in his left eye as a result of an accident during an All-Ireland League game for UCD against Lansdowne in 2010. He made his way back into international contention by working his way up through the lower leagues with Leonorso Rugby in Italy. He made his bow for the Azzurri in 2017 and has won eight caps to date.