Lewis Moody: English Rugby Legend Reveals MND (ALS) 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. Throughout his career, the former flanker won almost every available trophy and participated in some of the most important matches in the sport.

A Look at Lewis Moody’s Career

Born on June 12, 1978, in Ascot, Moody started 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. 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.

Moody played 217 games for the Tigers, the most for a flanker, before spending his last two years at Bath. He made his England debut 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.

Highlighted Achievements

During his time at Leicester, Moody won seven Premiership titles, including four consecutive ones 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.

With England, he earned 71 caps and won two Six Nations titles, including the Grand Slam in 2003. He played in all seven matches of the 2003 World Cup, winning the decisive lineout in the final, and was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 2004. In 2007, Moody was a key figure for England on their way to the 2007 World Cup final. He ended his career as England captain at the 2011 World Cup, retiring a year later.

Moody’s Play Style

Nicknamed “Mad Dog”, Moody was known for being a fearless and relentless flanker. His passion for the game was unmatched, as demonstrated by playing with a stress fracture in his leg. He recovered quickly from a serious ankle fracture, playing the full 80 minutes in his first game back just three months later.

Moody 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

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

What is Motor Neuron Disease (MND)?

Motor Neuron Disease (MND) causes progressive muscle weakness that worsens over time. Messages from motor neurons in the spinal cord and brain gradually stop reaching the muscles, causing them to weaken, become rigid, and atrophy. There is currently no cure for MND, but treatments can help manage symptoms for as long as possible. The condition usually develops after the age of 50 and people with MND have a reduced life expectancy. Other rugby players such as Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow have died after being diagnosed with the disease in recent years.

Symptoms of ME

Early symptoms include stiffness or weakness in the hands, which can make it difficult to hold or grip objects. Other signs include weakness in the legs and feet, which can cause problems with tripping, lifting the feet, or climbing stairs. They may also experience painful muscle spasms or cramps. Late signs of ALS include problems with breathing, swallowing, and speech. Approximately half of the people with ALS experience changes in their thinking and behavior.

Diagnosis of the NMD

Neurologists can diagnose MND after a patient is referred by their GP. Tests that help diagnose MND include blood tests, nerve tests, and MRI scans. Symptoms of MND can progress at different speeds, which can make diagnosing the condition difficult.

How many people are affected and are there different types of NMs?

The CJD affects up to 5,000 adults in the UK at any one time. Overall, there is a one in 300 risk of contracting CJD over a person’s lifetime. Different forms of MND affect people in different ways. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common form of MND, which causes weakness and wasting in the limbs, muscle stiffness, and cramps. The first symptoms often include stumbling or dropping objects. ALS of bulbar onset 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.

Moody’s Words

After revealing his diagnosis, Moody shared on social media:

I am writing to share some difficult news.

Lewis Moody

He continued saying: “I was recently diagnosed with ALS, also known as Motor Neuron Disease. This has been incredibly difficult to process and a big shock for me and my family. I feel fit and well, and I am focused 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 retiring from the sport I love, and together with 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.”