Lewis Moody: English Rugby Legend Reveals ALS (MND) Diagnosis

Former England captain Lewis Moody revealed on Monday that he has been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Motor Neuron Disease (MND). Moody, 47, retired from rugby in 2012 after an illustrious 16-year career, during which he represented Leicester Tigers, Bath, England and the British and Irish Lions. The former flanker won almost all available trophies and played in some of the most important matches in the sport.

A Look Back at Lewis Moody’s Career

Lewis Moody finished his playing career with the Bath team. Born on June 12, 1978 in Ascot, Moody started playing rugby at the age of five in Bracknell. He attended the prestigious Oakham rugby school and joined the Leicester Tigers academy, where he became a flanker.

He quickly stood out at Leicester, becoming the youngest player to represent the club in the league in 1996, at 18 years and 94 days old. He represented the club 217 times before spending his last two years at Bath. He debuted for England in 2001 against Canada and was an integral part of the World Cup-winning team in 2003. He also represented the British and Irish Lions on the 2005 tour to New Zealand.

Moody won seven Premiership titles with Leicester, including four consecutive titles between 1999 and 2002. He also won consecutive European titles in 2001 and 2002, as well as the Anglo-Welsh Cup in 2007.

With England, he earned 71 caps, winning two Six Nations titles, including the Grand Slam in 2003. He played in all seven matches of the 2003 World Cup and was appointed MBE in 2004. In 2007, he played an important role in England’s reaching the 2007 World Cup final and ended his career as England captain at the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Moody was a fearless and committed flanker, nicknamed “Mad Dog”. His passion for the game was unmatched, and he never shied away from any challenge.

After retiring in March 2012, Moody created the Lewis Moody Foundation in 2014, a charity that helps fight brain tumors. His legacy continues with his son Dylan, a promising goalkeeper in the Southampton under-18s.

What is the ENM?

Motor Neuron Disease (MND) causes muscle weakness that progressively worsens. Messages from motor neurons in the spine and brain stop reaching the muscles, causing them to weaken and atrophy. There is currently no cure for ALS, but treatments can help manage symptoms. The condition usually develops after the age of 50 and reduces life expectancy. The initial symptoms include stiff or weak hands, problems grasping objects, weakness in legs and feet, muscle cramps and spasms. Late symptoms include breathing, swallowing, and speaking problems.

About half of the people with ME/CFS experience changes in their thinking and behavior.

Neurologists can diagnose ALS through blood tests, nerve tests, and MRIs. Symptoms can progress at different speeds, making diagnosis difficult. The MND affects up to 5,000 adults in the UK at any given time, with a lifetime risk of contracting it of 1 in 300. There are different types of MND, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the most common, which affects the limbs and causes stiffness and cramps. The onset of bulbar MND primarily affects the muscles of the face, throat, and tongue, while progressive muscular atrophy (PMA) and primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) are rare forms of MND.

Statements by Lewis Moody

After revealing his diagnosis, Moody shared on social media:

Lewis Moody’s Post

I am writing to share some difficult news.

Lewis Moody

I have recently been diagnosed with ALS, also known as Motor Neuron Disease.

Lewis Moody

This has been incredibly difficult to process and a huge shock for me and my family.

Lewis Moody

I feel fit and well and focus on staying positive, living life and dealing with the changes I will experience as they come.

Lewis Moody

After retiring from the sport I love, and alongside my wife Annie, I have been able to dedicate a large part of the last 12 years to raising funds for The Lewis Moody Foundation in support of those affected by brain tumors.

Lewis Moody

My plan is to continue with this, but also to create an opportunity to support a charity closer to my current situation. I will continue to embrace life and take advantage of opportunities in the same way I always have.

Lewis Moody