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

Former England captain Lewis Moody revealed on Monday that he has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND). Moody, 47, retired from rugby in 2012 after an illustrious 16-year career, during which he represented the 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.

Lewis Moody’s Career

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, where he initially played as a center and then as a fullback.

He entered 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, a record currently held by Ben Youngs. He played 217 matches for the club, the most for a flanker, 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.

Achievements and Titles

Moody was a key part of the Leicester Tigers during their golden years, participating in seven Premiership victories, including four consecutive titles between 1999 and 2002. The Tigers also won consecutive European titles in 2001 and 2002, and Moody was also part of the team that won 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 when England made history by winning the 2003 Rugby World Cup and was awarded an MBE in 2004. In 2007, Moody was again fundamental for England, who reached the final of the 2007 World Cup, and ended his career as England captain at the 2011 Rugby World Cup, before retiring from the game a year later.

Gameplay Style

Nicknamed “Mad Dog”, Moody became an intrepid and uncompromising flanker, known for his commitment to the club and country. His passion for the game was unsurpassed, as demonstrated by the fact that he played with a stress fracture in his leg while at Leicester.

He never shied away from any challenge, such as when he became the first English player to be sent off at Twickenham after a fight with his Leicester teammate, Alesana Tuilagi, in the victory over Samoa.

After the Withdrawal

After his retirement in March 2012, Moody founded the Lewis Moody Foundation in 2014, a charity that helps fight brain tumors through research, support, and education.

Moody’s legacy in the field has continued with his son Dylan, who is a promising goalkeeper with Southampton’s under-18 team and has represented England under-18.

What is the ENM?

Motor neuron disease causes muscle weakness that progressively worsens over time. There is currently no cure for MND, but treatments can help manage symptoms for as long as possible. In recent years, other rugby players such as Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow have passed away after being diagnosed with the disease.

Symptoms of ME

• The first symptoms include stiff or weak hands, problems holding objects.
• Weak legs and feet, which can cause problems when tripping or climbing stairs.
• They may also experience painful muscle spasms or cramps.
• Later signs include problems breathing, swallowing, and speaking.

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

Diagnosis and Types of ENM

Neurologists can diagnose ALS after a general practitioner refers the patient. Tests include blood tests, nerve tests, and MRIs. The MND affects different people in different ways. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common form, causing weakness and wasting in the limbs, muscle stiffness, and cramps. Early symptoms often include stumbling or falling. Bulbar-onset MND or progressive bulbar palsy (PBP) primarily affects the muscles of the face, throat, and tongue. Progressive muscular atrophy (PMA) affects fewer people, while primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) is a rare form of MND.

Statements by Lewis Moody

In a social media post, Moody shared his diagnosis:

I am writing to share some difficult news.

Lewis Moody

And he continued:

I have recently been diagnosed with ALS, also known as motor neuron disease. This has been incredibly difficult to process and a huge surprise for me and my family. I feel fit and well and am focusing on staying positive, living life, and dealing with the changes I will experience as they come.

Lewis Moody

Moody added that he will continue to support his family, friends and medical professionals, and that he will continue his charitable work through the Lewis Moody Foundation.