Lewis Moody, former England captain, reveals ALS diagnosis

Former England Rugby World Cup winner Lewis Moody has been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as motor neuron disease. Moody, 47, revealed the news after receiving the diagnosis of this degenerative disease that affects the muscles.

There’s something about looking at the future head-on and not wanting to process that at this moment.

Lewis Moody

He was a key player in England’s triumph in 2003 and accumulated 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, he won the line-out that led to Jonny Wilkinson’s winning drop goal.

He participated in the 2005 British and Irish Lions tour and, at the national level, 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 third-row player, known for his incredible work rate and considered the ultimate team man. He was a ferocious tackler, a standout 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. He received physiotherapy, but then scans revealed nerve damage to his brain and spinal cord due to ALS. Former rugby players Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow died from the disease in recent years.

They give you this ALS diagnosis and rightly we are excited, but it’s so strange because I feel like nothing is happening.

Lewis Moody

Moody added that his symptoms are minor, with a little muscle wear and tear in his hand and shoulder, and that he is still able to do anything and everything. He hopes this continues for as long as possible. In a social media post, Moody said that although the diagnosis was a “shock”, he is well supported by his family and medical professionals. He added that he is “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 said it would support Moody and his family. RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney expressed his sadness and distress at the news of Lewis Moody’s diagnosis. Moody’s former clubs offered their support in separate statements after Moody revealed his diagnosis. Leicester Tigers CEO Andrea Pinchin highlighted Moody’s incredible journey and his commitment to the club, as well as his warmth and passion. She also mentioned Moody and his wife’s charitable work through the Lewis Moody Foundation. Bath Rugby’s chief executive, Tarquin McDonald, described the news as heartbreaking and offered his support to Moody and his family.