Lewis Moody, former England captain, reveals ALS diagnosis

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 in an interview, two weeks after receiving the diagnosis of this degenerative muscle disease.

“There’s something about looking at the future in the face and not really wanting to process it 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 at the future in the face for now.”

Lewis Moody

Moody was a key player in England’s 2003 triumph and amassed 71 international matches between 2001 and 2011. He played in the seven matches that led England to win the World Cup in Australia and, in the final against the hosts, won the line-out that led to Jonny Wilkinson’s winning drop goal. In addition, he participated in the 2005 British and Irish Lions tour. At the national 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 a relentless flanker, known for his incredible work rate and considered a true 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. 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 to his brain and spinal cord due to ALS. In recent years, other former rugby players such as Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow have passed away from this disease.

“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,” 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 am still able to do anything and everything. And I hope that continues for as long as possible.” In a social media post, Moody expressed 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, 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 Rugby Football Union (RFU) has stated that it will support Moody and his family.

“We are 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 jersey in the game, earning the respect and admiration of teammates, opponents and supporters alike around the world.”

Bill Sweeney

Moody’s former clubs also offered their support through separate statements. Leicester Tigers Chief Executive Andrea Pinchin commented: “The figures, trophies and awards tell you what an incredible player Lewis was, but that’s only half the story. As an individual, his commitment to his club along with his warmth and passion shone through, making him loved by teammates, staff and supporters alike. Always looking to help others, Lewis along with Annie have worked tirelessly through the Lewis Moody Foundation, supporting brain tumor research and helping affected families.” Bath Rugby Chief Executive, Tarquin McDonald, added: “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 are united as a club to offer all our support to Lewis, his family and friends.”