Lewis Moody, English rugby legend, reveals ALS diagnosis

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), also known as Motor Neuron Disease (MND). Moody, 47, shared the news in an interview, two weeks after receiving the diagnosis of this degenerative muscle disease.

“There’s something about looking at the future head-on and not really wanting to process that right now,” Moody said. “It’s not that I don’t understand where this is going. We understand it. But there’s absolutely a reluctance to look at the future head-on for now.”

Lewis Moody

Moody was a key player in England’s 2003 triumph and amassed 71 appearances from 2001 to 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 winning drop goal. In addition, he participated in the 2005 British and Irish Lions tour. At the national level, he won seven Premiership titles with the Leicester Tigers and two Heineken Cups, finishing his career at Bath. During his playing days, Moody was a relentless flanker, known for his incredible work rate and considered a true team player. He was a ferocious tackler, an exceptional operator in 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 condition that generally shortens life. The specific symptoms and the speed at which muscle weakness develops can vary between individuals. There is no cure. Moody reported that he noticed the first symptoms after feeling some weakness in his shoulder while at the gym. After physiotherapy, scans revealed nerve damage in his brain and spinal cord due to ALS. In recent years, former rugby players Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow passed away from this disease.

“They give you this ALS diagnosis and, understandably, we’re quite excited about it, but it’s so strange because I feel like nothing is happening,” Moody commented. “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

In a social media post, Moody stated that, although the diagnosis was a “shock”, he has the support of his family and medical professionals. He added that he was “truly grateful to those who, at the time, helped advance research to support others, like me, who live with this disease.” Moody retired from international rugby in 2011 and stepped away from the professional game a year later.

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) announced that it will provide support to Moody and his family.

“We are deeply saddened and distressed to learn that Lewis Moody has been diagnosed with motor neuron disease,” stated RFU CEO Bill Sweeney. “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 ever to wear a back row jersey in the game, earning the respect and admiration of teammates, opponents, and supporters worldwide.”

Bill Sweeney

The former Moody clubs also offered their support in separate statements following the announcement.