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), a degenerative disease of the nervous system. Moody, 47, shared the news in an interview, revealing the emotional impact of the situation.

There’s something about looking the future in the face and not really wanting to process that right now. It’s not that I don’t understand where it’s going. We get 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 accumulated 71 appearances between 2001 and 2011. He played in all seven World Cup matches in Australia, where England were crowned champions. In the final against the hosts, he won the line-out that led to Jonny Wilkinson’s winning drop goal. He also participated in tours with the British and Irish Lions in 2005. At club level, he won seven Premiership titles with the Leicester Tigers and two Heineken Cups, finishing his career at Bath. During his career, Moody was known for his tireless work and was considered an exemplary team player. He was a fierce tackler and excelled 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. 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 were weakness in his shoulder while at the gym. After physiotherapy, scans revealed damage to the nerves in his brain and spinal cord due to ALS. In recent years, other former rugby players such as Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow passed away from this disease.

They give you this ALS diagnosis and, rightly so, we get very emotional, 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 added that his symptoms are mild, with a little muscle wear and tear in his hand and shoulder, and that he is still able to perform any activity. In a social media post, Moody expressed that, although the diagnosis was a “shock”, he has the support of his family and medical professionals. He was also grateful to those who have supported research to help people living with this disease. Moody retired from international rugby in 2011 and from professional play a year later.

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has expressed its support for Moody and his family. RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney stated that the rugby community is uniting to support Moody and his family, offering practical and emotional support. Former Moody clubs also offered their support. Leicester Tigers CEO Andrea Pinchin highlighted Moody’s dedication and his charitable work through the Lewis Moody Foundation. Bath Rugby CEO Tarquin McDonald described the news as heartbreaking and emphasized that Moody will always be part of the Bath Rugby family.