Lewis Moody, Ex-England Captain, Reveals ALS Diagnosis

Lewis Moody, Rugby World Cup Winner, Reveals ALS Diagnosis

Former England rugby player Lewis Moody, a World Cup champion, has been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The news was revealed by Moody himself in an interview, marking a moment of reflection on the future.

“There’s something about looking at the future head-on and not really wanting to process that at the moment. It’s not that I don’t understand where it’s going. We understand it. But there’s absolutely a reluctance to look at the future head-on for now.”

Lewis Moody

Moody, 47, was a key player in England’s 2003 triumph and accumulated 71 appearances between 2001 and 2011. He played in all seven World Cup matches in Australia, standing out in the final against the hosts, where he won the line-out that led to Jonny Wilkinson’s decisive drop goal. In addition to his international success, Moody participated with the British and Irish Lions in 2005. At club level, he won seven Premiership titles with the Leicester Tigers and two Heineken Cups, ending his career at Bath. During his time as a player, Moody was known for his tireless work and commitment to the team. He was a fierce tackler and a standout player in the contact area, considered one of the best of the professional era.

ALS is a degenerative neurological disease that often shortens life. The symptoms and the speed of development of muscle weakness vary between individuals, and it currently has no cure. Moody reported that the first symptoms appeared as weakness in the shoulder during a gym workout. After physiotherapy, scans revealed damage to the nerves of the brain and spinal cord due to ALS. In recent years, other rugby players, such as Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow, have died from this disease.

“They give you this ALS diagnosis and we are rightly 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.”

Lewis Moody

In a social media post, Moody expressed that, although the diagnosis was a “shock”, he has the support of his family and medical professionals. He showed gratitude to those who have supported research to help people who, like him, live with this disease. Moody retired from international rugby in 2011 and from professional play a year later.

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has announced that it will provide support to Moody and his family. Bill Sweeney, RFU chief executive, stated that the rugby community is with Moody and will support him during this difficult time. Former Moody clubs have also offered their support. Andrea Pinchin, Leicester Tigers CEO, highlighted Moody’s dedication to the club and his charitable work through the Lewis Moody Foundation. Tarquin McDonald, Bath Rugby CEO, emphasized Moody’s impact as a sports ambassador and his work to improve the lives of those in need.