Lewis Moody, Rugby World Cup Winner, Reveals ALS Diagnosis
Former English rugby player Lewis Moody, a World Cup champion, has been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a disease that affects motor neurons.
Moody, 47, shared the news two weeks after receiving the diagnosis of this degenerative disease. In an interview, he expressed his difficulty in accepting the future, although he understands the seriousness of the situation.
There’s something about looking the future in the face and not really wanting to process that at this 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, won the line-out that led to Jonny Wilkinson’s decisive drop goal.
In addition to his international success, Moody participated in tours with the British and Irish Lions in 2005 and at club level, won seven Premiership titles with the Leicester Tigers and two Heineken Cups. He finished his career at Bath.During his career, Moody was known for his tireless work and dedication, being a team player par excellence. He stood out for his aggression in tackles and his skill in the ruck area, being recognized as one of the best players of the professional era.
ALS is a degenerative neurological disease that often shortens life. Symptoms and the rate of progression vary between individuals, and there is currently no cure.
Moody reported that the first symptoms manifested with weakness in the shoulder during a training session. After physiotherapy, scans revealed damage to the nerves of the brain and spinal cord due to ALS. Other former rugby players, such as Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow, have died from this disease in recent years.
Despite the diagnosis, Moody has expressed that he feels well and that his symptoms are mild, although he recognizes the importance of the support of his community. He has highlighted the importance of the support he has received and the gratitude towards those who have contributed to the research of the disease.
In a social media post, Moody described the diagnosis as a “shock” and thanked the support of his family and medical professionals.
Moody retired from international rugby in 2011 and from professional play a year later.The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has expressed its support for Moody and his family, highlighting his brilliance and distinction on the field and his contribution to rugby.
The former Moody’s clubs have also offered their support.
PA information contributed to this story.
