Lewis Moody, Ex-England Captain, Reveals ALS Diagnosis

Lewis Moody, Rugby World Cup Winner, Reveals ALS Diagnosis

Former English rugby player Lewis Moody, a Rugby World Cup winner, has been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as motor neuron disease (MND). Moody, 47, shared the news after receiving the diagnosis of this degenerative muscle disease. The announcement came two weeks after receiving the diagnosis.

There’s something about looking the future in the face and not really wanting to process that right now. It’s not that I don’t understand where it’s going. We get 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 2003 triumph and amassed 71 international matches between 2001 and 2011. He participated in all seven World Cup matches in Australia, and in the final against the host country, he won the toss that led to Jonny Wilkinson’s winning drop goal. In addition to his success in the national team, Moody played for the British and Irish Lions in 2005. At club level, he won seven Premiership titles with the Leicester Tigers and two Heineken Cups, finishing his career at Bath. During his time as a player, Moody was known for his tireless work and commitment to the team. He was a fierce tackler and an excellent player in the contact area, considered one of the best players of the professional era.

ALS is a degenerative neurological condition that often shortens life. Symptoms and the speed of development of muscle weakness can vary between individuals. Currently, there is no cure. Moody reported that he noticed the first symptoms after feeling weakness in his shoulder while training at the gym. After physiotherapy, tests revealed nerve damage to 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.

They give you this ALS diagnosis and rightly so, we are very excited, but it’s so strange because I feel like nothing is happening. I don’t feel sick. I don’t feel bad. My symptoms are very mild. I have a little muscle wasting in my hand and shoulder. I am still able to do anything and everything. And I hope that continues for as long as possible.

Lewis Moody

In a social media post, Moody expressed that, although the diagnosis was a “shock”, he is receiving great support from his family and medical professionals. He added that he is “truly grateful to those who, at the time, helped advance research to support others, like me, who live with this disease”. Moody retired from international rugby in 2011 and left the professional game a year later.

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has stated that it will support Moody and his family. RFU Chief Executive Bill Sweeney issued a statement expressing his sadness and distress at Lewis Moody’s diagnosis. Sweeney highlighted Moody’s brilliance and distinction in representing England, the British and Irish Lions, and his clubs, Leicester Tigers and Bath Rugby. Furthermore, he noted his respect and admiration from teammates, opponents, and supporters worldwide. Moody’s former clubs also offered their support through separate statements. Leicester Tigers CEO Andrea Pinchin highlighted Moody’s incredible career as a player and his commitment to the club. Bath Rugby CEO Tarquin McDonald described the news as heartbreaking and stated that Moody will always be part of the Bath Rugby family.