Lewis Moody, English rugby legend, reveals ALS diagnosis

Lewis Moody, Rugby World Cup Winner, Reveals ALS Diagnosis

Former English rugby player Lewis Moody, who was a World Cup champion, has been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a degenerative disease that affects motor neurons. Moody, 47, shared the news in an interview, two weeks after receiving the diagnosis of this disease that causes muscle atrophy.

There’s something about looking at the future head-on and not 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 at the future head-on for now.

Lewis Moody

Moody was a key player in England’s 2003 triumph and played 71 matches between 2001 and 2011. He participated 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. Additionally, he was part of the British and Irish Lions in 2005. At club level, he won seven Premiership titles with Leicester Tigers and two Heineken Cups, finishing his career at Bath. During his career, Moody was a relentless flanker, known for his incredible performance and considered a true team player. He was a ferocious tackler and an outstanding operator in the ruck area, being recognized as one of the best players in the professional era.

ALS is a degenerative neurological condition that generally shortens life. Symptoms and the speed of development of muscle weakness can vary between individuals. Currently, there is no cure for this disease. Moody revealed that the first symptoms appeared after feeling weakness in his shoulder during a gym session. After physiotherapy, scans revealed damage to the nerves in his brain and spinal cord due to ALS. Previously, other rugby players such as Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow passed away from this disease.

They give you this ALS diagnosis and we are quite excited about it, but it’s so strange because I feel like nothing is 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 am 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 expressed that, although the diagnosis was a “shock”, he is receiving great support from his family and medical professionals. He was also “truly grateful” to those who have contributed to research to support people who, like him, live with this disease. Moody retired from international rugby in 2011 and left the professional game a year later.

The RFU announced that it will provide support to Moody and his family. RFU Chief Executive Bill Sweeney issued a statement expressing his sadness and dismay at Lewis Moody’s diagnosis. He highlighted his brilliance and distinction in representing England, the British and Irish Lions, Leicester Tigers and Bath Rugby, and described him as one of the toughest and most fearless players to have played in the back row, earning the respect and admiration of teammates, opponents and fans worldwide. Sweeney also highlighted Moody’s contribution to rugby, both on and off the field, reflecting the best values ​​of the sport. The RFU pledged to offer practical and emotional support to the Moody family and encouraged the rugby community to show their support through fundraising initiatives. Moody’s former clubs also offered their support through separate statements. Leicester Tigers CEO Andrea Pinchin highlighted Moody’s incredible career as a player and his commitment to the club, as well as his warmth and passion. She also mentioned Moody and his wife’s work through the Lewis Moody Foundation, supporting brain tumor research and helping affected families. Bath Rugby CEO Tarquin McDonald expressed his sadness and sent his best wishes to Lewis, his family and friends. McDonald highlighted that Moody will always be part of the Bath Rugby family and an ambassador for the sport, as well as highlighting his charitable work through his foundation.