#3. Ed Slater – England
On 21st July 2022, Slater confirmed he was diagnosed with ALS (motor neurone disease) and retired immediately.
#4. Tinus Linee – South Africa (1969–2014)
In April 2013, Linee was diagnosed with motor neurone disease.
His deteriorating health resulted in him having financial difficulties in an attempt to cover his medical costs. This resulted in him auctioning off his Springbok and Western Province blazers to raise money. South African fans have since organised and contributed to several fundraisers to assist him and his family financially. The introduction of a ventilator in April 2014, meant that his condition remained stable without deteriorating. His hands, however, remained virtually paralysed. Linee died on 3 November 2014, aged 45 in his family home in Paarl.
He was survived by his wife Diana, her two sons, and a daughter from his first marriage.