Lewis Moody, former England captain, reveals ALS diagnosis

Lewis Moody, Rugby World Cup Winner, Reveals Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Diagnosis

Former English rugby player and World Cup champion Lewis Moody has been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a degenerative disease that affects motor neurons. Moody, 47, shared the news after receiving the diagnosis two weeks ago. The announcement was made public after an interview.

There’s something about looking the future in the face and not wanting to process that at this moment. It’s not that I don’t understand where it’s going. We understand it. But there’s absolutely a reluctance to look the future in the face for now.

Lewis Moody

Moody was a key player in England’s triumph in 2003, and played 71 international matches between 2001 and 2011. He participated in the seven matches that led England to win the World Cup in Australia, and in the final against the host country, he won the line-out that led to Jonny Wilkinson’s winning drop goal. In addition to his international success, Moody was part of the British and Irish Lions in 2005. At club level, he won seven Premiership titles with the Leicester Tigers and two Heineken Cups, and finished his career at Bath. During his career, Moody was known for his tireless work and his commitment to the team. He was a fierce tackler and a standout player in the ruck areas, considered one of the best players in the professional era.

ALS is a degenerative neurological disease that often shortens life. Symptoms and the speed at which muscle weakness develops can vary between individuals. Currently, there is no cure. Moody reported that he noticed the first symptoms after feeling weakness in his shoulder while at the gym. Although he received physiotherapy, the scans revealed damage to the nerves in his brain and spinal cord due to ALS. In recent years, other former rugby players such as Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow have died from this disease. Moody expressed that, despite the emotional impact of the diagnosis, he feels well.

I feel like nothing is wrong. I don’t feel sick. I don’t feel bad.

Lewis Moody

His symptoms are mild, with a little muscle wear in his hand and shoulder. Moody assures that he is still able to do anything and hopes this will continue for as long as possible. In a social media post, Moody stated that, although the diagnosis was a “shock”, he has the support of his family and medical professionals. Moody retired from international rugby in 2011 and left the professional game a year later.

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has expressed its support for Moody and his family. Bill Sweeney, RFU chief executive, stated that the organization is deeply saddened by the news and that the rugby community is uniting to support Moody and his family. The RFU is committed to offering practical and emotional support. The clubs where Moody played have also offered their support. Andrea Pinchin, Leicester Tigers CEO, highlighted Moody’s dedication and charitable work. Tarquin McDonald, Bath Rugby CEO, described the news as heartbreaking and reaffirmed the club’s support for Moody and his family.