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

Lewis Moody Reveals Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Diagnosis

Former England captain Lewis Moody has publicly announced his diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Motor Neuron Disease (MND). Moody, 47, retired from rugby in 2012 after a distinguished 16-year career, representing teams such as Leicester Tigers, Bath, England, and the British and Irish Lions. Throughout his career, the former flanker won almost every possible title and participated in some of the most important matches in the sport.

Lewis Moody finished his playing career at Bath.Born on June 12, 1978, in Ascot, Moody began playing rugby at the age of five in Bracknell. He studied at the prestigious rugby school Oakham, where he initially played as a center and then as a fullback. Subsequently, he joined the Leicester Tigers academy, where he became a flanker.

Lewis Moody celebrates the 2001 Heineken Cup victory with his Leicester teammates.His impact at Leicester was immediate, 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. Moody played 217 matches for Leicester, the most for a flanker, before ending 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 represented the British and Irish Lions three times against 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. In addition, he participated in the team that won the Anglo-Welsh Cup in 2007.

Lewis Moody celebrates the 2003 Rugby World Cup victory with his England teammates.With England, he earned 71 caps, winning two Six Nations titles, including the Grand Slam in 2003. He played in all seven matches of England’s historic 2003 World Cup victory, being key in the decisive play before Jonny Wilkinson’s winning drop goal in the final. He was recognized with an MBE in 2004. He participated in all three matches of the 2005 Lions series in New Zealand. In 2007, he was a key figure for England in their run to the 2007 World Cup final, and finished his career as England captain at the 2011 Rugby World Cup, before retiring from the sport a year later.

Lewis Moody captained England at the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Lewis Moody’s Playing Style

After his debut at 18 against Orrell, few would have predicted the impact Moody would have on rugby. In a 2002 interview, he recalled his debut: “It was quite terrifying. Everyone seemed huge, thinking, ‘who the hell is this young man?’. I weighed about 82 kilos at the time and was treated like a rag doll; it was much harder than I thought, and it taught me a lot.”

Lewis Moody shows his bravery while attempting a charge against Argentina in 2009.Moody became a fearless and relentless flanker, nicknamed “Mad Dog” for his commitment to the club and country. His passion for the game was unparalleled, as demonstrated by playing with a stress fracture in his leg while at Leicester. He also recovered quickly from a serious ankle fracture, playing the full 80 minutes in his first game back just three months later. The flanker never shied away from any challenge, as he demonstrated by being the first English player to be sent off at Twickenham after a fight with his Leicester teammate, Alesana Tuilagi, in the victory against Samoa.

Lewis Moody became the first English player to be sent off at Twickenham after his fight with Alesana Tuilagi at Twickenham in November 2005.

After the Withdrawal

After retiring in March 2012, Moody created the Lewis Moody Foundation in 2014, a charity that supports research, support, and education on brain tumors. Moody’s legacy in the field continues with his son Dylan, a promising goalkeeper in the Southampton under-18 team, who has represented England under-18.

Lewis Moody holds the Web Ellis Cup during the 2003 England World Cup reunion at Twickenham.

About ALS

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a disease that causes progressive muscle weakness. Messages from motor neurons in the spine and brain stop reaching the muscles, causing them to weaken, become stiff, and atrophy. There is currently no cure for ALS, but treatments can help manage symptoms for as long as possible. The condition usually develops after the age of 50. People with ALS have a reduced life expectancy. Other rugby players such as Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow have passed away after being diagnosed with the disease in recent years.

ALS Symptoms

• The first symptoms include stiff or weak hands, which can make it difficult to hold objects.
• Other signs include weakness in legs and feet, which can cause tripping, difficulty lifting feet or climbing stairs.
• They may also experience painful muscle spasms or cramps.
• In advanced stages, problems with breathing, swallowing, and speech may arise.
• Approximately half of people with ALS experience changes in their thinking and behavior.

ALS Diagnosis

Neurologists usually diagnose ALS after a patient is referred by their general practitioner. Tests that help diagnose ALS include blood tests, nerve tests, and MRIs. The symptoms of ALS can progress at different speeds, which can make diagnosing the disease difficult.

ALS Incidence

ALS affects up to 5,000 adults in the UK at any one time. Overall, there is a one in 300 risk of contracting ALS over a person’s lifetime. Different forms of ALS affect people in different ways. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common form of ALS, which causes weakness and atrophy in the limbs, muscle stiffness, and cramps. The first symptoms often include stumbling or dropping objects. Bulbar-onset ALS or progressive bulbar palsy (PBP) primarily affects the muscles of the face, throat, and tongue, and the first signs include difficulty speaking or swallowing. Progressive muscular atrophy (PMA) affects fewer people, while primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) is a rare form of ALS.

Statements by Lewis Moody

After revealing his diagnosis in an interview, Moody shared 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

“This has been incredibly difficult to process and a great shock to me and my family. I feel fit and well and I focus on staying positive, living life, and dealing with 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 take advantage of opportunities in the same way I always have.”