Lewis Moody, English rugby legend, reveals ALS diagnosis

Lewis Moody, Rugby World Cup Winner, Reveals ALS Diagnosis

Former English rugby player, Lewis Moody, Rugby World Cup champion, has been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Moody, 47, shared the news after two weeks of receiving the diagnosis of this degenerative disease that affects the muscles.

There’s something about looking the future in the face and not really wanting to process that at the moment. It’s not that I don’t understand where it’s going. We understand 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 played in all seven World Cup matches in Australia, and in the final against the hosts, he won the line-out that led to Jonny Wilkinson’s winning drop goal. In addition, he participated in the 2005 British and Irish Lions tour. At club level, he won seven Premiership titles with the Leicester Tigers and two Heineken Cups, finishing his career at Bath. During his career, Moody stood out as a relentless back-row player, known for his incredible work rate and considered a true team player. He was a ferocious tackler, an exceptional operator at the ruck area, and was recognized as one of the best players to have graced the game in the professional era.

ALS is a degenerative neurological disease that generally shortens life. Specific symptoms and the speed at which muscle weakness develops can vary between individuals. Currently, there is no cure. Moody reported that he noticed the first symptoms after feeling weakness in his shoulder while at the gym. After physiotherapy, scans revealed nerve damage in his brain and spinal cord due to ALS. Former rugby players Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow passed away from this disease in recent years.

They give you this ALS diagnosis and, rightly so, we’re quite excited about it, but it’s so strange because I feel like nothing’s 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’m still able to do anything and everything. And I hope that continues for as long as possible.

Lewis Moody

Moody retired from international rugby in 2011 and left the professional game a year later.

In a social media post, Moody expressed that, although the diagnosis was a “shock”, he has the support of his family and medical professionals. He thanked those who have supported the research to help people who, like him, live with this disease. The RFU (Rugby Football Union) has announced that it will provide support to Moody and his family. The RFU’s chief executive, Bill Sweeney, stated: “We are deeply saddened and distressed to learn that Lewis Moody has been diagnosed with ALS. Lewis represented England, the British and Irish Lions and his clubs Leicester Tigers and Bath Rugby with brilliance and distinction, being one of the toughest and bravest players to ever wear the third row jersey in the game, earning the respect and admiration of teammates, opponents and supporters around the world. His contribution to rugby, both on and off the field, reflects the best values of our sport. Our thoughts are with Lewis and his family and friends at this difficult time as they come to terms with this diagnosis and I know that the entire rugby community is with them and will support them.” Moody’s former clubs also offered their support through statements. PA information contributed to this news.