Lewis Moody, English rugby legend, reveals ALS (MND) diagnosis

Former England captain Lewis Moody has publicly revealed his diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Motor Neuron Disease (MND). The news, shared on Monday, has shocked the rugby world and its followers.

Moody, 47, retired from rugby in 2012 after a brilliant 16-year career. During his career, he represented renowned teams such as Leicester Tigers, Bath, England, and the British and Irish Lions. The former flanker achieved almost all available trophies and participated in some of the most important matches in this sport.

Lewis Moody’s Journey

Born on June 12, 1978, in Ascot, Moody started playing rugby at the age of five in Bracknell. Subsequently, he trained at the prestigious Oakham rugby school, where he shared a classroom with other English and Welsh internationals. His path in professional rugby led him to the Leicester Tigers academy, where he became a flanker. He quickly stood out and in 1996, at 18 years old, he became the youngest player to represent the club in the league, a record now held by Ben Youngs.

Moody played 217 games for the Tigers, the most for a flanker, before finishing his career at Bath. He debuted for England in 2001 against Canada and was a key player in the team that won the World Cup in 2003. He also represented the British and Irish Lions on the 2005 tour to New Zealand.

Lewis Moody’s Achievements

During his time at Leicester, Moody was part of 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 in 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 of the historic 2003 World Cup triumph and was awarded the Order of the British Empire in 2004. In 2007, he was again key for England in the World Cup final. He concluded his career as England captain in the 2011 Rugby World Cup, before retiring definitively a year later.

The Essence of a Player

In his debut, at 18 years old, few would have predicted Moody’s successful career. In an interview, Moody described his debut as “terrifying”.

Over time, he became a fearless flanker, earning the nickname “Mad Dog” for his commitment. His passion for the game was unmatched, playing even with a stress fracture in his leg. He recovered quickly from an ankle injury, returning to play a full match just three months later. Moody never backed down from a challenge, even starring in a fight with his Leicester teammate, Alesana Tuilagi, in a match against Samoa, which earned him the first expulsion for an English player at Twickenham.

After the Retreat

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

Moody’s legacy continues through his son Dylan, a promising goalkeeper in Southampton’s under-18 team, who has represented England in the under-18 category.

Understanding ALS

Motor Neuron Disease (MND) causes progressive muscle weakness. Signals from motor neurons in the spinal cord and brain stop reaching the muscles, leading to weakness, stiffness, and wasting. 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. 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. Other signs are weakness in legs and feet, making it difficult to walk and climb stairs. Muscle spasms and cramps may appear. In advanced stages, there are problems breathing, swallowing, and speaking. Approximately half of people with ME/CFS experience changes in their thinking and behavior.

Diagnosis of the NMD

Neurologists often diagnose MND after a patient is referred by their general practitioner. Tests include blood tests, nerve tests, and MRIs. The symptoms of ME/CFS can progress at different speeds, making diagnosis difficult.

Impact and Types of ENM

The MND affects up to 5,000 adults in the UK at any one time. The lifetime risk of developing the disease is one in 300. There are different forms of MND. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common, causing weakness and wasting in the limbs. Other types include progressive bulbar palsy (PBP) and progressive muscular atrophy (PMA).

Statements by Lewis Moody

In an interview, Moody expressed: “I am writing to share difficult news. I have recently been diagnosed with ALS, also known as Motor Neuron Disease. This has been incredibly difficult to process and a big impact on me and my family.” “I feel fit and well and I focus on staying positive, living life and facing the changes I will experience as they come. I have the support of my family, friends, and medical professionals. Since I retired 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 people affected by brain tumors. 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 seize its opportunities in the same way I always have.”