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 after receiving the diagnosis two weeks ago. The former player, known for his outstanding career in rugby, expressed his feelings about the situation. “There’s something about looking the future in the face and not really wanting to process that at this moment,” Moody commented. “It’s not that I don’t understand where this is 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 triumph in 2003, and played 71 matches between 2001 and 2011. He participated in the seven matches that led England to win the World Cup in Australia, where in the final against the hosts, he managed to win the line-out that led to Jonny Wilkinson’s winning drop goal.In addition to his World Cup success, Moody also participated in tours with the British and Irish Lions in 2005. At the national level, he won seven Premiership titles with the Leicester Tigers and two Heineken Cups, ending his career at Bath.
During his playing days, Moody was a relentless flanker, known for his incredible work rate and considered a quintessential team player. He was a ferocious tackler, an outstanding operator in the ruck area, and 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. The specific symptoms and the speed at which muscle weakness develops can vary between individuals. Currently, 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 revealed nerve damage in his brain and spinal cord due to ALS. Other former rugby players, such as Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow, have died from the 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
Moody also added: “My symptoms are very mild. I have a little muscle wear and tear in my hand and shoulder. I am still able to do anything and everything. And I hope that continues for as long as possible.”
In a social media post, Moody stated that, although the diagnosis was a “shock”, he is receiving good support from his family and medical professionals. He added that he was “truly grateful to those who, in their 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 Rugby Football Union (RFU) has expressed its support for Moody and his family.
RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney stated: “We are all deeply saddened and distressed to learn that Lewis Moody has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease.”
Moody’s former clubs also offered their support through separate statements.
Leicester Tigers chief executive Andrea Pinchin said: “The figures, trophies and awards tell you what an incredible player Lewis was, but that’s only half the story.”
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.”
The RFU is committed to providing practical and emotional support to the Moody family and encourages the rugby community to show their support through fundraising initiatives.
