Lewis Moody, Ex-England Captain, Reveals ALS Diagnosis

Lewis Moody, Rugby World Cup Winner, Reveals ALS Diagnosis

Former English rugby player, Lewis Moody, Rugby World Cup champion, has been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as motor neuron disease (MND). Moody, 47, shared the news in an interview, revealing the emotional impact the diagnosis has had.

There’s something about looking the future in the face and not really wanting to process that right now. It’s not that I don’t understand where it’s going. We get it. But there’s absolutely a reluctance to look the future in the face for now.

Lewis Moody

Moody was a key player in England’s 2003 triumph and amassed 71 appearances between 2001 and 2011. He played in all seven World Cup matches in Australia and, in the final against the hosts, won the play that led to Jonny Wilkinson’s goal. In addition, he participated in the 2005 British and Irish Lions tour and, at the national level, won seven Premiership titles with the Leicester Tigers and two Heineken Cups, ending his career at Bath. During his playing days, Moody was known for his tireless work and was considered a team player par excellence. He was a fierce tackler and an outstanding operator in the contact area, being recognized as one of the best players in the professional era.

ALS is a degenerative neurological condition that often shortens life. The specific symptoms and the speed at which muscle weakness develops can vary between individuals. There is no cure for this disease. Moody reported that he noticed the first symptoms after feeling weakness in his shoulder while at the gym. After physiotherapy, scans revealed damage to the nerves in his brain and spinal cord due to ALS. In recent years, other former rugby players such as Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow have died from this disease.

They give you this ALS diagnosis and we are quite excited about it, but it’s so strange because I feel like nothing is happening. I don’t feel sick. I don’t feel bad. My symptoms are very mild. I have a little muscle wasting in my hand and shoulder. I am still able to do anything and everything. And I hope that continues for as long as possible.

Lewis Moody

In a social media post, Moody expressed that, although the diagnosis was a “shock”, he is receiving support from his family and medical professionals. He added that he is “truly grateful to those who, at the time, helped advance research to support others, like me, who live with this disease”. Moody retired from international rugby in 2011 and left the professional game a year later.

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has expressed its support for Moody and his family.

We are deeply saddened and distressed to learn that Lewis Moody has been diagnosed with motor neuron disease. Lewis represented England, the British and Irish Lions and his clubs Leicester Tigers and Bath Rugby with brilliance and distinction, one of the toughest and bravest players ever to wear a back row jersey in the game, earning the respect and admiration of teammates, opponents and supporters around the world. His contribution to rugby, both on and off the field, reflects the best of our sport’s values.

Bill Sweeney, CEO of the RFU

Moody’s former clubs also offered their support through statements. PA information contributed to this news.