Former England captain Lewis Moody has recently revealed his diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Motor Neuron Disease (MND). The news, shared on Monday, has shocked the rugby world and its followers.
Moody, 47, retired from rugby in 2012 after a brilliant 16-year career. During his career, he represented Leicester Tigers, Bath, England and the British and Irish Lions, winning almost all available trophies and participating in some of the most important matches in the sport.Lewis Moody terminó su carrera jugando en Bath.Born on June 12, 1978, in Ascot, Moody started playing rugby at the age of five in Bracknell. As a student, he initially played as a center and then as a fullback.
He joined the Leicester Tigers academy, where he became a flanker. He quickly made his mark at Leicester, becoming the youngest player to represent the club in the league in 1996, at 18 years and 94 days old, a record now held by Ben Youngs.Lewis Moody celebra la victoria de la Copa Heineken de 2001 con sus compañeros de Leicester.He represented the club on 217 occasions before spending his final two years at Bath. He made his England debut in 2001 against Canada and was an integral part of the World Cup-winning team in 2003. He also represented the British and Irish Lions on the 2005 tour to New Zealand.Lewis Moody representó a los British and Irish Lions en tres ocasiones contra Nueva Zelanda.
Highlighted Achievements
During his time at Leicester, Moody was part of seven Premiership victories, including four consecutive titles between 1999 and 2002. The Tigers also won consecutive European titles in 2001 and 2002. In addition, he participated in the team that won the Anglo-Welsh Cup in 2007.Lewis Moody celebra la victoria de la Copa del Mundo de Rugby 2003 con sus compañeros de Inglaterra.With England, he won 71 matches, including two Six Nations titles, with the Grand Slam in 2003. He played in all seven matches of England’s historic victory in the 2003 Rugby World Cup and was awarded an MBE in 2004.
In 2007, Moody played a significant role in the English team that reached the 2007 World Cup final, and he ended his career as England captain at the 2011 Rugby World Cup.Lewis Moody fue capitán de Inglaterra en la Copa del Mundo de Rugby 2011.
An Unforgettable Player
Nicknamed “Mad Dog” for his commitment to the club and country, Moody was known for his bravery and dedication on the field. His passion for the game was unmatched, even playing with a stress fracture in his leg.Lewis Moody muestra su audacia al intentar una carga contra Argentina en 2009.Moody never backed down from a challenge, as he demonstrated by becoming the first English player sent off at Twickenham after a fight with Alesana Tuilagi.Lewis Moody se convirtió en el primer jugador inglés en ser expulsado en Twickenham tras su pelea con Alesana Tuilagi en noviembre de 2005.
After the Withdrawal
Following his retirement, Moody founded the Lewis Moody Foundation in 2014, a charity that helps combat brain tumors through research, support, and education.Lewis Moody sostiene la Copa Web Ellis durante la reunión de la Copa del Mundo de 2003 de Inglaterra en Twickenham.Moody’s legacy in the field continues with his son Dylan, a promising goalkeeper in Southampton’s under-18 team, who has represented England in the under-18 category.
About ALS
Motor Neuron Disease (MND) causes progressive muscle weakness that worsens over time. Currently, there is no cure for MND, but treatments can help manage symptoms. Initial symptoms include stiffness or weakness in the hands and legs.
I feel good and in shape, and I am focused on staying positive, living life, and facing the changes I will experience as they come.
Lewis Moody
In his statement, Moody expressed his determination to remain positive and continue supporting charities, focusing on research and support for those fighting ALS.
