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 the Leicester Tigers, Bath, England and the British and Irish Lions. The former flanker won almost all available trophies and participated in some of the most important matches in the sport.

A Look Back at Lewis Moody’s Career

Lewis Moody was born on June 12, 1978, in Ascot and started playing rugby at the age of five in Bracknell. He attended the prestigious Oakham rugby school. Moody joined the Leicester Tigers academy, where he became a flanker.

Quickly caused a sensation in Leicester and became the youngest player to represent the club in the league in 1996, at 18 years and 94 days old, a record now held by Ben Youngs. He represented the club 217 times, the most for a flanker, before spending his last two years at Bath. He debuted for England in 2001 against Canada and became 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’s Achievements

Moody was at Leicester during their glory years and participated in seven Premiership victories, including four consecutive titles between 1999 and 2002. The Tigers also won consecutive European titles in 2001 and 2002. He won 71 matches with England, 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 again played an important role for England when they 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.

Moody’s Play Style

Moody became a fearless and uncompromising flanker, and developed the nickname “Mad Dog” for his commitment to the club and the country. His passion for the game was unsurpassed, as he demonstrated by playing with a stress fracture in his leg while at Leicester. He never backed down from any challenge.

Moody became the first English player to be sent off at Twickenham after getting into a fight with his Leicester teammate, Alesana Tuilagi, in the victory over Samoa.

Moody’s Life After Retirement

After retiring in March 2012, Moody created the Lewis Moody Foundation in 2014, a charity that helps fight brain tumors with research, support, and education.

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

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 as much as possible. Early symptoms include stiff or weak hands. Other signs include weak legs and feet. This can cause problems with tripping, lifting your feet, or climbing stairs. MND affects up to 5,000 adults in the UK at any one time.

Moody’s Statements

After revealing his diagnosis, Moody said on social media:

I am writing to share some difficult news. I was recently diagnosed with ALS, also known as Motor Neuron Disease.

Lewis Moody

Moody added that he feels good and is focused on staying positive and facing the changes he will experience. Moody plans to continue his charitable work to support people affected by brain tumors and also create an opportunity to support a charity closer to his current situation.