Lewis Moody: English Rugby Legend and His Fight 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.

Lewis Moody’s Journey

Lewis Moody was born on June 12, 1978, in Ascot. He started playing rugby at the age of five in Bracknell. He studied at the prestigious Oakham rugby school, and then joined the Leicester Tigers academy, where he became a flanker.

He quickly stood out at Leicester, becoming the youngest player to represent the club in the league in 1996, at 18 years and 94 days old. He played 217 times for the club before spending his last 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.

Achievements and Titles

Moody was part of the Leicester Tigers during their glory years and 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, Moody participated in the team that won the Anglo-Welsh Cup in 2007.

With England, he earned 71 caps, winning two Six Nations titles, including the Grand Slam in 2003. He participated in all seven matches of the historic 2003 World Cup, and was awarded an MBE in 2004. In 2007, Moody was again instrumental for England in the 2007 World Cup final, and finished his career as England captain in the 2011 World Cup.

Player Features

Nicknamed “Mad Dog” for his commitment, Moody was an intrepid and relentless flanker. His passion for the game was unmatched, as demonstrated by playing with a stress fracture in his leg.

Moody never backed down from a challenge, he was even the first English player sent off at Twickenham after a fight with Alesana Tuilagi.

After the Retreat

After his retirement in March 2012, Moody founded the Lewis Moody Foundation in 2014, a charity that supports research, support, and education on brain tumors.

Understanding ALS

Motor Neuron Disease 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, but treatments can help control the symptoms. The condition usually develops after the age of 50 and reduces life expectancy. Early symptoms include stiffness or weakness in the hands, trouble grasping things, weakness in the legs and feet, and problems walking. Other symptoms include muscle spasms and cramps. Late symptoms include trouble breathing, swallowing, and speaking. About half of the people with ALS experience changes in their thinking and behavior. Neurologists can diagnose ALS through tests such as blood tests, nerve tests, and MRIs. Symptoms can progress at different speeds, which can make diagnosis difficult. In the UK, up to 5,000 adults are affected by ALS at any one time. There is a one in 300 risk of contracting the disease over a lifetime. There are different forms of ALS, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which is the most common. Other forms include progressive bulbar palsy and progressive muscular atrophy. Primary lateral sclerosis is a rare form of ALS.

Moody’s Statements

In his statements, Moody expressed:

I am writing to share some difficult news. I have recently been diagnosed with ALS, also known as Motor Neuron Disease.

Lewis Moody

Moody also added that he feels good and is focused on staying positive, living life, and dealing with the changes he will experience. He will continue to support his foundation and seek opportunities to support a cause closer to his current situation.