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 earned 71 caps between 2001 and 2011. He played in all seven World Cup matches 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. At the national level, he 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 the ultimate team player. He was a ferocious tackler, an outstanding 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 between individuals. There is no cure. Moody explained that he noticed the first symptoms after feeling some 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. 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 quite excited about it, but it’s so strange because I feel like there’s nothing wrong,” Moody said.

Lewis Moody

Moody added:

“I don’t feel sick. I don’t feel bad.

Lewis Moody

“My symptoms are very mild. I have a little muscle wear in my hand and shoulder. I am still able to do anything and everything. And I hope that continues for as long as possible.” In a social media post, Moody said that although the diagnosis was a “shock”, he is being well supported by 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) announced that it will support Moody and his family. The RFU’s chief executive, Bill Sweeney, stated:

“We are all deeply saddened and distressed to learn that Lewis Moody has been diagnosed with motor neuron disease.”

Bill Sweeney

Sweeney added: “Lewis represented England, the British and Irish Lions and his clubs Leicester Tigers and Bath Rugby with brilliance and distinction, one of the toughest and bravest players ever to wear a back row jersey in the game, earning the respect and admiration of teammates, opponents and supporters alike around the world. “His contribution to rugby, both on and off the field, reflects the best of our sport’s values. Our thoughts are with Lewis and his family and friends at this difficult time, as they come to terms with this diagnosis, and I know the entire rugby community is with them and will provide support. “We are ready to offer practical and emotional support to the Moody family in whatever way is needed and appropriate; and we encourage people to show their support through the fundraising initiatives that are being established and are available through Go Fund Me.” The former Moody clubs offered their support in separate statements after Moody revealed his diagnosis. “The figures, trophies and awards tell you how incredible Lewis was as a player, but that’s only half the story,” said Leicester Tigers CEO Andrea Pinchin. “As an individual, his commitment to his club along with his warmth and passion shone through, earning him the affection of teammates, staff, and supporters alike. Always looking to help others, Lewis along with Annie have worked tirelessly through the Lewis Moody Foundation, supporting brain tumor research and helping affected families. “I know that everyone connected with the club will want to send their best wishes and support to Lewis and his family in any way they can.” Bath Rugby Chief Executive, Tarquin McDonald, said: “This is heartbreaking news and our thoughts and best wishes are with Lewis, his immediate family and his wider circle of friends and loved ones.” “Lewis is, and always will be, part of the Bath Rugby family as a former player who has put down roots in the local community and a true ambassador for the sport. “Your charitable work through your foundation, dedicated to raising awareness and funds to improve the lives of those who need help and support, is inspiring. This is a devastating disease and we are united as a club to offer our full support to Lewis, his family and friends.”