Lewis Moody: English Rugby Legend and His Battle Against ALS

Former England captain Lewis Moody revealed on Monday that he has been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Motor Neuron Disease (MND). Moody, 47, retired from rugby in 2012 after an illustrious 16-year career, during which he represented the Leicester Tigers, Bath, England and the British and Irish Lions. The former flanker won almost all available trophies and participated in some of the most important matches in the sport.

Contents

A Look Back at Lewis Moody’s Career Lewis Moody’s Achievements Moody’s Play Style After Retirement What is the ENM?Symptoms of ME/CFS Diagnosis of the NMD Incidence of the ENM Statements by Lewis Moody

A Look Back at Lewis Moody’s Career

Born on June 12, 1978, in Ascot, Moody started playing rugby at the age of five in Bracknell. He attended the prestigious rugby school Oakham, where he initially played as a center and then as a defender. He joined the Leicester Tigers academy, where he became a flanker. He quickly stood out and became the youngest player to represent the club in the league in 1996, at 18 years and 94 days old.

Lewis Moody celebrando — Lewis Moody celebra la victoria de la Copa Heineken 2001 con sus compañeros de Leicester.

Played 217 matches for the Tigers, the most for a flanker, before spending his final two years at Bath. He debuted for England in 2001 against Canada and was an integral part of the World Cup-winning team in 2003. He also represented the British and Irish Lions on the 2005 tour to New Zealand.

Lewis Moody con los Lions — Lewis Moody representó a los British and Irish Lions en tres ocasiones contra Nueva Zelanda.

Lewis Moody’s Achievements

With Leicester, Moody won seven Premiership titles, including four consecutive ones between 1999 and 2002. The Tigers also won consecutive European titles in 2001 and 2002. In addition, he was part of the team that won the Anglo-Welsh Cup in 2007.

Lewis Moody con la Copa del Mundo — Lewis Moody celebra la victoria de la Copa del Mundo de Rugby 2003 con sus compañeros de Inglaterra.

With England, he earned 71 caps and won two Six Nations titles, including the Grand Slam in 2003. He played in all seven matches of the 2003 Rugby World Cup and was appointed MBE in 2004. He participated in all three matches of the 2005 Lions series in New Zealand. In 2007, he played an important role in England’s reaching the final of the 2007 World Cup and finished his career as England captain at the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Lewis Moody capitán — Lewis Moody capitaneó a Inglaterra en la Copa del Mundo de Rugby 2011.

Moody’s Play Style

Nicknamed “Mad Dog” for his commitment, Moody was known for his bravery and ruthlessness as a flanker. His passion for the game was unmatched, even playing with a stress fracture in his leg. He recovered quickly from an ankle injury and played the full 80 minutes in his first game back. Moody never backed down from any challenge, as he demonstrated by being the first English player to be sent off at Twickenham after a fight with Alesana Tuilagi.

After Retirement

After his retirement in March 2012, Moody created the Lewis Moody Foundation in 2014, a charity that supports research, support, and education on brain tumors. His legacy continues with his son Dylan, who is a promising goalkeeper in the Southampton under-18s.

What is the ENM?

Motor Neuron Disease (MND) causes progressive muscle weakness. Messages from motor neurons in the spine and brain stop reaching the muscles, causing them to weaken, become stiff, and atrophy. There is currently no cure for ALS, but treatments can help control symptoms. The condition usually develops after the age of 50, and people with ALS have a reduced life expectancy. Other rugby players such as Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow have passed away after being diagnosed with the disease in recent years.

Symptoms of ME/CFS

The first symptoms include stiff or weak hands, making it difficult to grasp objects. Other signs are weak legs and feet, causing problems with tripping, lifting feet, or climbing stairs. They may also experience spasms, cramps, or muscle twitching. Late symptoms include problems breathing, swallowing, and speaking. About half of people with MND experience changes in their thinking and behavior.

Diagnosis of the NMD

Neurologists can diagnose MND after a patient is referred by a GP. Tests include blood tests, nerve tests and MRI scans. Symptoms can progress at different speeds, making diagnosis difficult.

Incidence of the ENM

MND affects up to 5,000 adults in the UK at any one time. There is a 1 in 300 risk of contracting MND over a lifetime. Different forms of MND affect people differently. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common form, causing weakness and atrophy in the limbs. Bulbar-onset MND or progressive bulbar palsy (PBP) primarily affects the muscles of the face, throat, and tongue. Progressive muscular atrophy (PMA) affects fewer people, while primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) is a rare form of MND.

Statements by Lewis Moody

After revealing his diagnosis, Moody said on social media:

I am writing to share some difficult news.
Lewis Moody

“I was recently diagnosed with ALS, also known as Motor Neuron Disease. This has been incredibly difficult to process and a huge surprise for me and my family. I feel fit and well and am focusing on staying positive, living life, and dealing with the changes I will experience as they come. Since retiring from the sport I love and alongside my wife Annie, I have been able to dedicate a large part of the last 12 years to raising funds for the Lewis Moody Foundation in support of people affected by brain tumors. My plan is to continue with this, but also to create an opportunity to support a charity closer to my current situation. I will continue to embrace life and seize opportunities in the same way I always have.”