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), an incurable neuromuscular disease, has stated that there is no direct causal link between playing rugby and ALS. This news comes at a delicate time for the sport, following the announcement that former England captain Lewis Moody, 47, has been diagnosed with ALS. ALS has also affected other prominent players, including Doddie Weir, Rob Burrow, and Joost van der Westhuizen, who passed away from this disease. Ed Slater, former Leicester and Gloucester player, also received the same diagnosis in 2022.

Lewis Moody was capped 71 times for England during a glittering career.

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

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

Dr. Nick Cole, from the MND Association, explains that research suggests that a combination of factors is responsible for this progressive disease that attacks the brain and spinal cord. Cole emphasizes that, although there are studies suggesting a slight increase in risk in professional athletes, these are limited. The perception of risk is influenced by the visibility of cases like Moody’s, but ALS affects many people daily, regardless of rugby. According to the expert, genetic predisposition, lifestyle, and environmental factors play a crucial role in the development of ALS. Sport could be a contributing factor, but there are many other areas of ongoing research to find effective treatments. Recently, significant advances have been made in the treatment of a genetic form of ALS, although it is not yet available in all healthcare systems. Funding from the MND Association has been fundamental to these discoveries, and more drugs are expected to be developed. However, neurodegenerative diseases are complex, and a cure could be just around the corner or take several years to develop.

Now we know that ALS is not untreatable, it is simply underfunded and we need to raise more funds to investigate further and get closer to effective therapies.

Dr. Nick Cole

Dr. Cole describes the diagnosis as devastating, profoundly affecting individuals and their families. Moody’s friends and former teammates, such as Geordan Murphy and Leon Lloyd, have started a GoFundMe page to support the former player.

Geordan Murphy and Lewis Moody won seven Premiership titles together.Dr. Cole points out that the disease can progress rapidly in some people, with a third of patients dying within two years of diagnosis. In addition, adapting the home and the necessary care can be costly and complicated, in addition to the inability to work.