Lewis Moody and ALS: Expert denies direct link with rugby

Rugby and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Demystifying the Connection

An expert in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) has clarified that there is no direct causal link between playing rugby and contracting this degenerative disease. The news that Lewis Moody, former England captain, has been diagnosed with ALS has shaken the rugby world. This disease has also affected other prominent players such as Doddie Weir, Rob Burrow and Joost van der Westhuizen. Ed Slater, a player for Leicester and Gloucester, also received the same diagnosis in 2022. Dr. Nick Cole, head of research at the MND Association, points out that research indicates that a combination of factors is responsible for this progressive disease that attacks the brain and spinal cord.

Lewis Moody captained England on 71 occasions during his brilliant career.

There is no concrete and definitive link between rugby and ALS.

Dr. Nick Cole, head of research at the MND Association

Dr. Cole explained that, although studies have been conducted on the relationship between professional sports and ALS, they have been limited. “It’s more a matter of perception because these high-profile people are sharing their stories, but six people are diagnosed with ALS every day,” he added. Cole suggests that there might be a genetic predisposition in individuals who are built to be active and participate in sports. ALS is attributed to a combination of environmental factors, lifestyle, and genetics.

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Sport could be one of the contributing factors, but there are many other areas within the biology of ALS that are being investigated to find effective treatments. Significant progress has recently been made in treatment, such as the development of an effective therapy for a genetic form of ALS, although it is not yet available in the National Health Service. Funding from the MND Association has supported many of these discoveries, and more drugs are expected to be developed. Neurodegenerative diseases are complex, and a cure could be available “tomorrow or within several years”. Dr. Cole emphasized that ALS is not untreatable, but rather lacks sufficient funding for research. Awareness and fundraising are crucial to getting closer to effective therapies. Friends and former teammates of Moody, Geordan Murphy and Leon Lloyd, have created a GoFundMe page. Dr. Cole points out that ALS can be very rapid in some cases. Home adaptation and medical care can be costly, in addition to the inability to work.

Geordan Murphy and Lewis Moody won seven Premiership titles together.