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

Former England captain Lewis Moody has recently 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 generated a wave of support towards the former player.

A Rugby Legend

Moody, 47, retired from rugby in 2012 after a brilliant 16-year career. During his career, he represented teams such as 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.

Born on June 12, 1978, in Ascot, Moody started playing rugby at the age of five in Bracknell. Subsequently, he attended the prestigious rugby school Oakham. Initially, he played as a center and then as a fullback. His time at the Leicester Tigers academy marked a before and after. There he became a flanker and quickly stood out, becoming the youngest player to represent the club in the league in 1996, at just 18 years and 94 days old. A record that, to this day, is still held by Ben Youngs.

Moody became a cornerstone at Welford Road, representing the club 217 times, the most for a flanker. He spent his last two years as a player at Bath. His debut for the England national team came in 2001 against Canada. He was a key player in the 2003 World Cup-winning team. He also represented the British and Irish Lions on the 2005 tour to New Zealand.

Achievements and Titles

During his time at Leicester, Moody contributed to the winning of seven Premiership titles, including four consecutive ones 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 and won two Six Nations titles, including the Grand Slam in 2003. He played in all seven matches that led England to win the 2003 Rugby World Cup. In 2004, he was awarded the Order of the British Empire (MBE). He participated in all three matches of the 2005 Lions series in New Zealand. In 2007, Moody was again a key figure for England, who reached the final of the 2007 World Cup. He ended his career as England captain at the 2011 Rugby World Cup, before retiring from the sport a year later.

An Unforgettable Player

Moody, nicknamed “Mad Dog” for his dedication, was characterized by his bravery and unwavering commitment. His passion for the game was unmatched. He played with a stress fracture in his leg and recovered quickly from a serious ankle injury.

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 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 for Southampton under-18s.

About Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Motor Neuron Disease (MND) causes progressive muscle weakness that worsens over time. There is currently no cure for MND, but treatments can help manage symptoms. The condition usually develops after the age of 50 and reduces life expectancy. Early symptoms include stiffness or weakness in the hands and problems holding objects. Other signs include weakness in the legs and feet, which can cause stumbling or difficulty climbing stairs. Muscle spasms may also appear. Late symptoms include problems with breathing, swallowing, and speech. Approximately half of the people with MND experience changes in their thinking and behavior. The MND affects up to 5,000 adults in the UK at any one time. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common form of MND, causing weakness and wasting in the limbs. Bulbar-onset MND primarily affects the muscles of the face, throat, and tongue.

Moody’s Words

After revealing his diagnosis, Moody stated on social media:

I am writing to share some difficult news.
I have recently been diagnosed with ALS, also known as Motor Neuron Disease.
This has been incredibly difficult to process and a huge shock to me and my family.
I feel fit and well and am focused on staying positive, living life and dealing with the changes I will experience as they come.
I am well supported by my family, friends and medical professionals.
Since retiring 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 opportunities in the same way I always have.

Lewis Moody

Moody, with a career full of successes and an indomitable spirit, faces this new challenge with the same determination that characterized him on the field. The rugby community and the sports world in general offer him their support in this difficult moment.