Lewis Moody, Ex-England Captain, Reveals ALS Diagnosis

Lewis Moody, Rugby World Cup Winner, Reveals ALS Diagnosis

Former English rugby player, Lewis Moody, a World Cup champion, has been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a degenerative disease of the nervous system. Moody, 47, shared the news in an interview, two weeks after receiving the diagnosis of this disease that causes muscle weakness. “There’s something about looking the future in the face and not really wanting to process that right now,” Moody commented. “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.” Moody was a key player in England’s 2003 triumph and won 71 international matches between 2001 and 2011. He played in all seven World Cup matches in Australia and, in the final against the hosts, won the line-out that led to Jonny Wilkinson’s winning drop goal. Additionally, he participated in the 2005 British and Irish Lions tour. At club level, he won seven Premiership titles with the Leicester Tigers and two Heineken Cups, finishing his career at Bath. During his playing days, Moody was known for his tireless work and was considered a true team player. He was a ferocious tackler, a standout player in the ruck area, and was considered one of the best players to have graced the game in the professional era.

ALS is a degenerative neurological condition that generally shortens life. Specific symptoms and the speed at which muscle weakness develops can vary between individuals. There is no cure. Moody reported that he noticed the first symptoms after feeling some weakness in his shoulder while at the gym. After physiotherapy, scans showed damage to the nerves in his brain and spinal cord due to ALS. Former rugby players Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow passed away from this disease in recent years.

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

Lewis Moody

“My symptoms are very mild. I have a little muscle wear in my hand and shoulder. I’m still able to do anything and everything. And I hope that continues for as long as possible,” he added. “There will be a time when we will have to lean on their support but, at this moment, just having that kind of love and recognition that people are there is all that matters.” “Rugby is such a big community. I told the kids the other day, I’ve had an incredible life. Even if it ended now, I’ve enjoyed everything and embraced everything and I’ve been able to do it with incredible people. When you can call your passion your career, it’s one of the greatest privileges. To have done it for so long with the teams I did it with was a pleasure. And I know they’ll want to support in any way they can and I hope to have those conversations.”

Social media post

In a social media post, Moody stated that, although the diagnosis was a “shock”, he has the support of his family and medical professionals. He added that he was “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 stepped away from the professional game a year later.

The RFU (Rugby Football Union) has stated that it will join Moody and his family in this difficult time.

“We are all deeply saddened and distressed to learn that Lewis Moody has been diagnosed with motor neuron disease,” said RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney in a statement. “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 shirt in the game, earning the respect and admiration of teammates, opponents and supporters alike around the world.”

Bill Sweeney

“His contribution to rugby, both on and off the field, reflects the best of our sport’s values. Our thoughts are with Lewis and his family and friends at this difficult time as they face this diagnosis and I know the entire rugby community is with them and will support them. We are ready to offer practical and emotional support to the Moody family in whatever way is necessary and appropriate; and we encourage people to show their support through the fundraising initiatives that are now being established and are available through Go Fund Me.” Moody’s former clubs also offered their support in separate statements following the revelation of the diagnosis. “The figures, the trophies and the awards tell you what an incredible player Lewis was, but that’s only half the story,” said Leicester Tigers chief executive Andrea Pinchin. “As a person, his commitment to his club along with his warmth and passion shone through, which made him loved by his teammates, staff, and supporters alike. Always looking to help others, Lewis along with Annie have worked tirelessly through the Lewis Moody Foundation, supporting research into brain tumors and helping affected families. I know that everyone connected with the club will want to convey their best wishes and support to Lewis and his family in any way they can.” Bath Rugby Chief Executive, Tarquin McDonald, commented: “This is heartbreaking news and our thoughts and best wishes are with Lewis, his immediate family and his wider circle of friends and loved ones. Lewis is, and always will be, part of the Bath Rugby family as a former player who has put down roots in the local community, and a true ambassador for the sport. His charitable work through his foundation, dedicated to raising awareness and funds to improve the lives of those who need help and support, is inspiring. This is a devastating illness and we stand together as a club to offer our full support to Lewis, his family and friends.”