Lewis Moody, former England captain, reveals ALS diagnosis

Lewis Moody, Rugby World Cup Winner, Reveals ALS Diagnosis

Former English rugby player Lewis Moody, who was a World Cup champion, has been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a degenerative disease of the nervous system. Moody, 47, shared the news in an interview, two weeks after receiving the diagnosis of this disease that causes muscle atrophy.

There’s something about looking at the future head-on and not wanting to process that at this moment.

Lewis Moody

Moody was a key player in England’s 2003 triumph and amassed 71 appearances between 2001 and 2011. He played in all seven World Cup matches in Australia and, in the final against the hosts, won the line-out that led to Jonny Wilkinson’s winning drop goal. Additionally, he participated in the 2005 British and Irish Lions tour. At club level, he won seven Premiership titles with the Leicester Tigers and two Heineken Cups, finishing his career at Bath. During his career, Moody stood out as a relentless back-row player, known for his incredible work rate and considered a true team player. He was a ferocious tackler and an exceptional operator in the ruck area, being recognized as one of the best players of the professional era.

ALS is a degenerative neurological condition that generally shortens life. The specific symptoms and the speed at which muscle weakness develops can vary between individuals. Currently, there is no cure. Moody reported that the first symptoms he noticed were weakness in his shoulder while training at the gym. After physiotherapy, scans revealed nerve damage in his brain and spinal cord due to ALS. In recent years, former rugby players such as Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow have passed away from this disease.

They give you this ALS diagnosis and we are rightly quite excited about it, but it’s very strange because I feel like nothing is happening.

Lewis Moody

Moody added that his symptoms are minor and that he is still able to do anything. He hopes this will continue for as long as possible. In a social media post, Moody expressed that, although the diagnosis was a “shock”, he has the support of his family and medical professionals. In addition, he thanked those who have contributed to research to help people like him who live with this disease. Moody retired from international rugby in 2011 and left the professional game a year later.

The RFU (Rugby Football Union) has expressed its support for Moody and his family. RFU CEO Bill Sweeney stated that the organization is deeply saddened by the news. He described Moody as one of the bravest and most fearsome players in rugby history, earning the respect and admiration of teammates, opponents, and fans worldwide. The RFU will offer practical and emotional support to the Moody family and encourages the community to show their support through fundraising initiatives. Former Moody clubs have also offered their support. Andrea Pinchin, Leicester Tigers CEO, highlighted Moody’s dedication to the club and his charitable work through the Lewis Moody Foundation. Tarquin McDonald, CEO of Bath Rugby, expressed that the news is heartbreaking and that the club will support Moody and his family.