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), 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 in the face and not wanting to process that at this moment,” Moody said. “It’s not that I don’t understand where it’s going. We understand it. But there’s absolutely a reluctance to look at 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 matches that led England to win the World Cup in Australia and, in the final against the hosts, won the line-out that led to Jonny Wilkinson’s winning drop goal. He also participated in the 2005 British and Irish Lions tour and, at the national level, won seven Premiership titles with the Leicester Tigers and two Heineken Cups, ending 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 considered 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 among individuals. There is no cure. Moody reported that he noticed the first symptoms after feeling some weakness in his shoulder while at the gym. He received physiotherapy, but then scans showed damage to the nerves in his brain and spinal cord due to ALS. Former rugby players Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow passed away from the disease in recent years.

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

Lewis Moody

“I don’t feel sick. I don’t feel bad. My symptoms are very mild. I have a little muscle wear and tear in my hand and shoulder. I’m still able to do anything and everything. And I hope that continues for as long as possible.” “There will be a time when we need to lean on your support, but, for now, just having that kind of love and recognition that people are there is all that matters.” “Rugby is such a big community. I told the kids the other day, I’ve had an incredible life.” “Even if it ended now, I have enjoyed everything and embraced everything and I have been able to do it with incredible people. When you can call your passion your career, it’s one of the greatest privileges.” “Having done it for so long with the teams I did it with was a pleasure. And I know they’ll want to support in any way they can and I look forward to having those conversations.” In a social media post, Moody said that although the diagnosis was a “shock”, he is receiving good support from 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 RFU (Rugby Football Union) has announced that it will support Moody and his family. RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney issued a statement expressing his sadness and distress at the news. He highlighted Moody’s brilliance and distinction as a player, his bravery and the respect he inspired in teammates, opponents and supporters. Sweeney stated that the rugby community stands in solidarity with Moody and his family, offering emotional and practical support. Moody’s former clubs also offered their support through separate statements. Andrea Pinchin, Leicester Tigers CEO, highlighted Moody’s incredible career, his commitment to the club, and his warmth, which made him loved by teammates, staff, and fans. She also mentioned Moody and his wife’s charitable work through the Lewis Moody Foundation, supporting brain tumor research and helping affected families. Tarquin McDonald, Bath Rugby’s chief executive, called the news heartbreaking and emphasized that Moody will always be part of the Bath Rugby family. He highlighted his charitable work through his foundation, inspiring others.