Lewis Moody, former England captain, reveals ALS diagnosis

Lewis Moody, Rugby World Cup Winner, Reveals ALS Diagnosis

Former England rugby player Lewis Moody, a 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 the future in the face and not really wanting to process that right now,” Moody said. “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 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. He 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 back-row player, known for his incredible work rate and considered the ultimate team player. He was a ferocious tackler, an exceptional operator at the ruck, and considered one of the best players to have graced the game in the professional era.

ALS is a degenerative neurological disease that generally 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 physiotherapy, scans revealed nerve damage to his brain and spinal cord due to ALS. Other former rugby players like Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow have died from this disease in recent years.

“They give you this ALS diagnosis and we’re rightfully quite emotional about it, but it’s so strange because I feel like nothing’s happening,” Moody said. “I don’t feel ill. 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

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 RFU (Rugby Football Union) has announced that it will support 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.” Moody’s former clubs also offered their support through separate statements. Leicester Tigers CEO Andrea Pinchin said: “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. 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.” The CEO of Bath Rugby, 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 stand together as a club to offer our full support to Lewis, his family and friends.”