Lewis Moody, English rugby legend, reveals ALS diagnosis

Former English rugby player and World Cup champion Lewis Moody has been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a degenerative disease that affects motor neurons. Moody, 47, revealed the news after receiving the diagnosis two weeks ago. The former athlete shared his feelings about the future and his reluctance to process the current situation.

There’s something about looking the future in the face 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 the future in the face for now.

Lewis Moody

Moody was a key player in England’s 2003 triumph and amassed 71 appearances 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 to his international achievements, Moody was part of the British and Irish Lions in 2005 and won seven Premiership titles with Leicester Tigers, as well as two Heineken Cups. He finished his career at Bath. During his career, Moody was known for his commitment and tireless work, considered a team player par excellence. He was a fierce tackler and outstanding in the ruck area, recognized as one of the best players of the professional era.

ALS is a degenerative neurological condition that generally shortens life. The symptoms and the speed of development of muscle weakness vary between individuals, and there is currently no cure. Moody reported that the first symptoms manifested with weakness in the shoulder during a gym workout. After physiotherapy, scans revealed damage to the nerves in the brain and spinal cord due to ALS. Other rugby players such as Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow have died from this disease in recent years.

They give you this ALS diagnosis and we are rightly 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.

Lewis Moody

Moody highlighted that, despite the mild symptoms of muscle atrophy in his hand and shoulder, he still feels capable of performing any activity and hopes this will continue. He also emphasized the importance of the support from the rugby community and his gratitude to those who have supported the research into the disease. In a social media post, Moody described the diagnosis as a “shock”, but thanked the support of his family and medical professionals. He also expressed his gratitude to those who have contributed to research to help 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 (Rugby Football Union) announced that it will provide support to Moody and his family. RFU CEO Bill Sweeney expressed his sadness and distress upon learning of the diagnosis. He highlighted Moody’s brilliance and distinction in representing England, the British and Irish Lions, and his clubs. Sweeney emphasized the respect and admiration that Moody earned in the rugby world, both on and off the field. The RFU pledged to offer practical and emotional support to the Moody family. The news has generated supportive reactions from the rugby community, with messages of solidarity and recognition of Moody’s career. In a social media post, Moody said the diagnosis was a “shock”, but is receiving support from his family and medical professionals.

His former clubs also offered their support.

Information from PA contributed to this story.