Lewis Moody, Ex-England Captain, Reveals ALS Diagnosis

Lewis Moody, Rugby World Cup Winner, Reveals ALS Diagnosis

Former English rugby player and World Cup champion Lewis Moody has been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a degenerative disease that affects motor neurons. Moody, 47, shared the news in an interview, two weeks after receiving the diagnosis of this disease that causes progressive muscle weakness.

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 this is 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, playing in all seven tournament matches and winning 71 international matches between 2001 and 2011. In the final against Australia, his team won the lineout that led to Jonny Wilkinson’s decisive drop goal. In addition to his World Cup success, Moody participated in the British and Irish Lions tours in 2005 and won seven Premiership titles with Leicester Tigers, as well as two Heineken Cups. He finished his career at Bath. During his career, Moody was recognized for his tireless work ethic and commitment to the team. He was known for his ferocity in tackles and his ability in ruck areas. He was considered one of the best players of the professional era.

Lewis Moody was England captain from 2010 to 2011.ALS is a degenerative neurological condition that generally reduces life expectancy. Symptoms and the speed of development of muscle weakness vary between individuals, and there is currently no cure. Moody reported that the first symptoms manifested with weakness in his shoulder while he was at the gym. After physiotherapy, tests revealed damage to the nerves in his brain and spinal cord due to ALS. Other former rugby players, such as Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow, have died from this disease in recent years.

They give you this ALS diagnosis and, rightly so, we’re pretty excited about it, but it’s so strange because I feel like nothing’s happening. I don’t feel sick. I don’t feel bad.

Lewis Moody

Moody also added that his symptoms are minor, with some muscle wear and tear in his hand and shoulder, but that he is still able to do everything. He thanks the support of his family and the rugby community. In a social media post, Moody expressed that, although the diagnosis was a “shock”, he is receiving great support from his family and medical professionals. He showed gratitude to those who have contributed to the research to support people living with this disease. Moody retired from international rugby in 2011 and from professional play a year later.

Lewis Moody (center) was a key player in the England team that won the 2003 World Cup.The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has expressed its support for Moody and his family. RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney said the organization is deeply saddened by the news and that the rugby community is with Moody and his family, offering emotional and practical support.