Lewis Moody, Rugby World Cup Winner, Reveals Motor Neurone Disease Diagnosis
Former England rugby player and World Cup winner Lewis Moody has been diagnosed with motor neuron disease (MND), a degenerative neurological condition that often shortens life expectancy.
Moody, 47, shared the news after receiving the diagnosis two weeks ago. The sportsman, a key player in England’s 2003 triumph, expressed his reluctance to face the immediate future, although he understands the seriousness of the situation.
There’s something about looking the future in the face and not wanting to process that at this moment. It’s not that I don’t understand where it’s going. We understand it. But there’s absolutely a reluctance to look the future in the face for now.
Lewis Moody
Moody, who won 71 international matches between 2001 and 2011, played in all seven matches of the 2003 World Cup, including the final against Australia, where he made the tackle that secured the victory for England.
At the club level, Moody won seven Premiership titles with the Leicester Tigers and two Heineken Cups. During his career, he was recognized for his tireless effort and commitment to the team, standing out as a fierce tackler and an exceptional player in the contact area.The ENM is characterized by the variable development of muscle weakness and currently has no cure. Moody reported that the first symptoms manifested with weakness in the shoulder during his workouts at the gym.
After undergoing physiotherapy and scans, damage to the nerves in the brain and spinal cord was detected, confirming the diagnosis of MS.
Despite the emotional impact of the diagnosis, Moody says he feels physically well. He acknowledges that, although he experiences mild symptoms such as muscle atrophy in his hand and shoulder, he remains active and hopeful to continue like this.
The athlete thanks the rugby community for their support, highlighting the privilege of having turned their passion into a career and the importance of having the support of their loved ones.
In a social media post, Moody described the diagnosis as a “shock,” but thanked the support of his family and medical professionals, as well as those who have contributed to the research of this disease.
Moody retired from international rugby in 2011 and from professional rugby a year later.The RFU (Rugby Football Union) has expressed its support for Moody and his family, highlighting his brilliant career and exemplary character. Bill Sweeney, CEO of the RFU, stated that the rugby community is uniting to offer emotional and practical support to the Moody family.
Former Moody clubs, Leicester Tigers and Bath Rugby, have also expressed their support, highlighting their impact on and off the field, as well as their charitable work.
