Lewis Moody: English Rugby Legend and His Fight Against ALS (MND)

Former England captain Lewis Moody has revealed he has been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Motor Neuron Disease (MND). Moody, 47, retired from rugby in 2012 after a distinguished 16-year career, where he represented the Leicester Tigers, Bath, England and the British and Irish Lions. During his career, the former flanker won almost all available trophies and participated in some of the most important matches in the sport.

Who is Lewis Moody?

Born on June 12, 1978, in Ascot, Moody started playing rugby at the age of five in Bracknell. He studied at the prestigious Oakham rugby school, where he initially played as a center and then as a defender.

He joined the Leicester Tigers academy, where he moved to the third line and became a flanker. He quickly stood out, becoming the youngest player to represent the club in the league in 1996, at 18 years and 94 days old. He played 217 matches with the Tigers before ending his career at Bath. He debuted for England in 2001 against Canada and was a key player in the 2003 World Cup-winning team. He also represented the British and Irish Lions on the 2005 tour to New Zealand.

Lewis Moody’s Achievements

During his time at Leicester, Moody won seven Premiership titles, including four consecutive ones between 1999 and 2002. The Tigers also obtained consecutive European titles in 2001 and 2002. In addition, he participated in the victory of the Anglo-Welsh Cup in 2007.

With England, he earned 71 caps and won two Six Nations titles, including the Grand Slam in 2003. He played in all seven matches of the historic 2003 World Cup, and was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 2004. He participated in all three matches of the Lions series in New Zealand in 2005. In 2007, he was a key figure in England’s run to the World Cup final. He finished his career as England captain at the 2011 Rugby World Cup, retiring from the sport a year later.

Player Features

Nicknamed “Mad Dog” for his bravery and commitment, Moody was a relentless flanker. His passion for the game was evident, even playing with a stress fracture in his leg. He recovered quickly from a serious ankle fracture, playing the full 80 minutes in his first game back.

Moody never backed down from a challenge, even starring in an incident at Twickenham. His dedication and courage made him an emblematic player.

After the Withdrawal

After retiring in March 2012, Moody founded the Lewis Moody Foundation in 2014, a charity that supports research, support and education on brain tumors.

Moody’s legacy in the field continues with his son Dylan, a promising goalkeeper in Southampton’s under-18 team, who has also represented England in the under-18 category.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Motor Neuron Disease causes progressive muscle weakness. Messages from motor neurons in the spinal cord and brain stop reaching the muscles, causing weakness, stiffness, and wasting. There is currently no cure for ALS, but treatments can help manage symptoms. The condition usually develops after the age of 50 and reduces life expectancy. Other rugby players, such as Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow, passed away after being diagnosed with the disease in recent years.

Symptoms of ALS

Initial symptoms include weakness or stiffness in the hands and problems grasping objects. Other signs are weakness in the legs and feet, causing stumbling or difficulty climbing stairs. Spasms, cramps, and fasciculations may also occur. In advanced stages, there are problems breathing, swallowing, and speaking. Approximately half of the people with ME/CFS experience changes in their thinking and behavior.

ENM Diagnosis

Neurologists can diagnose MND after referral from a general practitioner. Tests include blood tests, nerve tests, and MRI scans. The variable progression of symptoms can make diagnosis difficult.

Impact of the ENM

The CJD affects around 5,000 people in the UK at any given time. The lifetime risk of contracting the disease is 1 in 300. There are different types of MND, with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) being the most common, causing weakness and wasting in the limbs, stiffness, and muscle cramps. Bulbar-onset MND primarily affects the muscles of the face, throat, and tongue. Progressive muscular atrophy (PMA) and primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) are rare forms of MND.

Lewis Moody’s Statements

After revealing his diagnosis, Moody stated on social media: “I am writing to share difficult news. I have recently been diagnosed with ALS, also known as motor neuron disease. This has been incredibly difficult to process and a big impact on me and my family. I feel fit and well, and I focus on staying positive, living life, and dealing with the changes I will experience as they come. I have the support of my family, friends, and medical professionals. Since I retired from the sport I love, and together with my wife Annie, I have been able to dedicate a large part of the last 12 years to raising funds for the Lewis Moody Foundation in support of people affected by brain tumors. My plan is to continue with this, but also to create an opportunity to support a charity closer to my current situation. I will continue to embrace life and seize its opportunities in the same way I always have.”