Lewis Moody, former England captain, reveals ALS diagnosis

Lewis Moody, Rugby World Cup Winner, Reveals Motor Neurone Disease Diagnosis

Former England rugby player Lewis Moody, a World Cup winner, has been diagnosed with motor neuron disease (MND). The news was announced by Moody himself, 47, after receiving the diagnosis two weeks ago.

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 it’s going. We understand that. 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 and amassed 71 international matches between 2001 and 2011. He played in all seven World Cup matches in Australia, and in the final against the hosts, he won the line-out that led to Jonny Wilkinson’s winning drop goal. In addition to his international success, Moody participated in tours with the British and Irish Lions in 2005 and at the national level, won seven Premiership titles with the Leicester Tigers and two Heineken Cups. He finished his career at Bath. During his career, Moody was a relentless flanker, known for his incredible work rate and considered the ultimate team player. He was a ferocious tackler, an outstanding operator in the ruck area and was considered one of the best players to have graced the game in the professional era.

The MND is a degenerative neurological condition that often 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 undergoing physiotherapy, scans revealed damage to the nerves in his brain and spinal cord due to MND. Other former rugby players such as Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow have died from this disease in recent years.

You get this diagnosis of MND and, rightly so, we are very emotional, but it’s so strange because I feel like nothing is happening. I don’t feel bad. I don’t feel bad. My symptoms are very mild. I have a little muscle wasting in my hand and shoulder. I’m still able to do anything and everything. And I hope that continues for as long as possible.

Lewis Moody

Moody added that although the diagnosis was a “shock”, he is receiving great support from his family and medical professionals. Moody retired from international rugby in 2011 and left the professional game a year later.

The RFU (Rugby Football Union) has stated that it will support Moody and his family. In a statement, RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney expressed his sadness and dismay upon learning of Lewis Moody’s diagnosis. He highlighted Moody’s brilliance and distinction representing England, the British and Irish Lions and his clubs Leicester Tigers and Bath Rugby, as well as his contribution to rugby, both on and off the field. The clubs where Moody played have also offered their support. Andrea Pinchin, CEO of the Leicester Tigers, highlighted Moody’s incredible career and his commitment to the club, while Tarquin McDonald, CEO of Bath Rugby, stated that Moody will always be part of the Bath Rugby family.