Lewis Moody, Rugby World Cup Winner, Reveals ALS Diagnosis
Former English rugby player Lewis Moody, a Rugby World Cup winner, 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 that at the moment. 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 appearances 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.
Additionally, 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 exceptional operator in the ruck area, and recognized as 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 for this disease.
Moody reported that he noticed the first symptoms after feeling weakness in his shoulder while exercising in the gym. After undergoing physiotherapy, tests revealed nerve damage in his brain and spinal cord due to ALS. Former rugby players Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow died from this disease in recent years.
“They give you this ALS diagnosis and understandably we are emotional, but it’s so strange because I feel like nothing is wrong. I don’t feel sick. 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. There will be a time when we will need to lean on your support, but, at this moment, just having that kind of love and recognition that people are there is all that matters”.
Lewis Moody
In a social media post, Moody expressed that, although the diagnosis was a “shock”, he is receiving great 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 RFU (Rugby Football Union) has announced that it will provide support to Moody and his family.
The RFU CEO, Bill Sweeney, stated: “We are all deeply saddened and distressed to learn that Lewis Moody has been diagnosed with motor neuron disease. 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 around the world. 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 come to terms with this diagnosis and I know the entire rugby community is with them and will support them.”
The former Moody clubs also offered their support in separate statements following the announcement of the diagnosis.
Leicester Tigers Chief Executive Andrea Pinchin commented: “The figures, the trophies and the awards tell you what an incredible player Lewis was, but that’s only half the story. As a person, his commitment to his club along with his warmth and passion shone through, which made 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. 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 CEO, Tarquin McDonald, said: “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.”
