Rugby and ALS: Expert rules out direct link after Lewis Moody diagnosis

Experts Rule Out Direct Causal Link Between Rugby and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

A specialist in ALS, a degenerative and incurable disease that affects the muscles, has ruled out a direct connection between playing rugby and the development of this condition. This statement comes after the announcement that former England captain Lewis Moody, 47, has been diagnosed with ALS. This news has impacted the sports world, recalling the cases of other players like Doddie Weir, Rob Burrow, and Joost van der Westhuizen, who also died from this disease. Ed Slater, a rugby player for Leicester and Gloucester, also received the same diagnosis in 2022. Dr. Nick Cole, head of research at the ALS Association, points out that research suggests that a combination of factors is responsible for this progressive disease that attacks the brain and spinal cord.

Lewis Moody was capped 71 times for England during his illustrious career.

There is no concrete and definitive link between rugby and ALS.
Dr. Nick Cole

Dr. Cole explained that a considerable amount of work has been dedicated to investigating any common factor or cause related to sports and exercise. Although some studies suggest a slightly higher risk in professional athletes, these studies were smaller in scale, implying a small increase in a reduced number of people. Perception is influenced by the visibility of public figures who share their stories, but it is important to remember that six people are diagnosed with ALS every day. According to the expert, genetic predisposition, lifestyle, and environment are important factors in the development of ALS. Sport could be one of the contributing factors, but there are many other areas within the biology of ALS that are being investigated to find effective treatments.

Recently, significant advances have been made in treatment, with the development of an effective therapy for a genetic form of ALS, although it is not yet available in the National Health Service. The ALS Association’s funding has been critical to many of these discoveries, and more medications are expected to be developed. However, neurodegenerative diseases are complex, and a cure could be found in the future, whether soon or in several years. Dr. Cole emphasized that ALS is not untreatable, but rather lacks sufficient funding for research. It is essential to raise more funds to advance towards effective therapies. Friends and former Leicester teammates of Moody, Geordan Murphy and Leon Lloyd, have created a GoFundMe page to support the British and Irish player who captained England 12 times.

Geordan Murphy and Lewis Moody won seven Premiership titles together.Dr. Cole pointed out that the disease can progress rapidly in some cases, with a third of people dying within two years of diagnosis. Each case requires adaptations to the home, which can be a slow process through legal services. In addition, the necessary care can be expensive, added to the inability to work.