Former England Rugby Captain Lewis Moody Discloses Motor Neurone Disease Diagnosis
Lewis Moody, the former England rugby captain and a key player in the nation’s 2003 World Cup victory, has announced he has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND). The 47-year-old, celebrated for his impactful career as a flanker with Leicester and England, shared that he is still processing the implications of the diagnosis.
MND is a condition that affects the motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness and wasting. It is a disease that fellow rugby figures Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow also battled. While there is currently no cure, treatments are available to help manage the disease’s progression.
Moody noticed initial signs of the disease during a gym workout, where he experienced weakness in his shoulder.
In a recent interview, Moody expressed his initial reaction to the news. “There’s something about looking the future in the face and not wanting to really process that at the minute,” he said. “You’re given this diagnosis of MND and we’re rightly quite emotional about it, but it’s so strange because I feel like nothing’s wrong.”
He further explained, “I don’t feel ill. I don’t feel unwell. My symptoms are very minor. I have a bit of muscle wasting in the hand and the shoulder. I’m still capable of doing anything and everything. And hopefully that will continue for as long as is possible.”
Throughout his career, Moody faced challenges, including being knocked unconscious twice early in a 2007 Rugby World Cup match and a knee injury that led to his retirement in 2012. Since retiring, he has been involved in coaching and charity work.
In a public statement, Moody addressed how he and his family are approaching the diagnosis: “I’m writing to share some tough news. I have recently been diagnosed with ALS, also known as MND. This has been incredibly hard to process and a huge shock to me and my family. I feel fit and well in myself and I’m focused on staying positive, living life and dealing with the changes I will experience as they come.”
He emphasized the support he is receiving, saying, “I am being well supported by my family, friends and medical professionals and I’m truly grateful to those who, in their time, helped progress research to support others, like me, living with this disease.”
Moody also highlighted his past charitable work: “Since retiring from the sport I love, and alongside my wife Annie, I’ve been able to dedicate much of the past 12 years to fundraising for The Lewis Moody Foundation in support of those affected by brain tumours. My plan is to continue with this but to also create an opportunity to support a charity closer to my current situation. I would be so grateful for your help with this and look forward to sharing more, once I am clear on what this looks like.”
He concluded his statement by expressing gratitude for the support he has received and asking for privacy as he navigates this new chapter. “For now, please know I feel your love and support; all I ask is that I am given some space to navigate this with my wife and sons, and those closest to us – but without doubt, I will continue to embrace life and grasp opportunities in the same way I always have.”
During his career with Leicester Tigers (1996-2010), Moody played in 223 games and won multiple titles including two Heineken Cups and seven league titles. He also played for Bath from 2010-2012 and earned an MBE in 2004 for his contributions to rugby after England’s World Cup victory.
Lewis and Annie Moody have raised over £2 million for brain tumor research, aiding both children and adults affected by the disease.
Moody described informing his family about his diagnosis as “the hardest thing” he has had to do.
Reflecting on telling his teenage sons, Dylan and Ethan, he shared, “It was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. They are two brilliant boys and that was pretty heartbreaking. We sat on the couch in tears, Ethan and Dylan both wrapped up in each other, then the dog jumped over and started licking the tears off our faces, which was rather silly.”
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) CEO, Bill Sweeney, expressed his sympathy: “We are all deeply saddened and distressed to learn that Lewis Moody has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. Lewis represented England, the British and Irish Lions and his clubs Leicester Tigers and Bath Rugby with both brilliance and distinction – one of the toughest and most fearless players ever to don a backrow shirt in the game, earning the respect and admiration of teammates, opponents, and supporters alike all over the world. His contribution to rugby, both on and off the field, reflects the very best of our sport’s values. Our thoughts are with Lewis and his family and friends at this very difficult time as they come to terms with this diagnosis and I know the entire rugby community stands with them and will support them. We are ready to offer practical and emotional support to the Moody family in whatever way is needed and appropriate.”
