Lewis Moody, English rugby legend, reveals ALS diagnosis

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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), a degenerative disease of the nervous system. Moody, 47, shared the news in an interview, revealing the emotional impact of the illness. “There’s something about looking the future in the face and not really wanting to process that right now,” he commented. 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, standing out in the final against the host team, where he won the line-out that led to Jonny Wilkinson’s decisive drop goal.
Lewis Moody fue capitán de Inglaterra de 2010 a 2011.
In addition to his international success, Moody toured with 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 tireless work and commitment to the team, being a fierce tackler and a standout player in the ruck area. He is considered one of the best players of the professional era. ALS is a degenerative neurological disease that generally shortens life. The symptoms and the speed of development of muscle weakness vary between individuals, and it currently has no cure. Moody reported that the first symptoms appeared as 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. In recent years, other rugby players, such as Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow, have died from this disease.

“They give you this ALS diagnosis and we’re quite excited about it, but it’s so strange because I feel like nothing’s happening,” Moody said. “I don’t feel sick. I don’t feel bad.”

Lewis Moody
In his statements, Moody expressed that his symptoms are mild, including some muscle wear in his hand and shoulder, and that he is still able to perform any activity. “Rugby is a great community,” added Moody. “I’ve had an incredible life.” In a social media post, Moody described the diagnosis as a “shock”, but highlighted the support of his family and medical professionals, thanking those who have driven research to help people like him who live with this disease. Moody retired from international rugby in 2011 and from professional play a year later.
Lewis Moody (centro) fue una pieza clave del equipo ganador de la Copa Mundial de Rugby de Inglaterra en 2003.
The RFU (Rugby Football Union) has expressed its support for Moody and his family. RFU CEO Bill Sweeney stated that they are deeply saddened by the news and that the rugby community is uniting to support them. Former clubs of Moody, Leicester Tigers and Bath Rugby, also offered their support through statements.
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