Former England rugby captain Lewis Moody has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease at the age of 47.
Moody was a key figure in England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup triumph, playing in all seven matches and famously winning the lineout that set up Jonny Wilkinson’s decisive drop goal.
Over a distinguished career, the flanker earned 71 caps for England, captained the national side during the 2010 Six Nations, and also represented the British & Irish Lions.
At club level, he enjoyed immense success with Leicester Tigers, winning seven domestic titles before retiring from the sport in 2012.
Shocked Moody publicly reveals ‘tough news’
Moody revealed the diagnosis in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
“I am sharing some tough news. I have recently been diagnosed with ALS, also known as motor neurone disease (MND),” he wrote.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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 close to us – but without doubt, I will continue to embrace life and grasp opportunities in the same way I always have.”
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RFU pay tribute to ‘fearless’ Moody
After news of Moody’s diagnosis broke, the Rugby Football Union released a heartfelt statement paying tribute to the former player.
“We are all deeply saddened and distressed to learn that Lewis Moody has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease,” stated CEO Bill Sweeney.
“Lewis represented England, the British & 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 back-row shirt in the game, earning the respect and admiration of team-mates, 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.”
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An incurable condition with palliative treatments
MND is a progressive and life-shortening neurological condition in which messages from the brain gradually stop reaching the body’s muscles, causing them to weaken, stiffen, and eventually waste away.
As the disease advances, it can severely impact movement, speech, swallowing, and breathing.
While there is currently no cure, various treatments and therapies are able to help in managing symptoms and improve quality of life.
In the UK, MND affects around 5,000 adults, with most diagnoses occurring in people over the age of 50.
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