England rugby legend Lewis Moody has revealed he has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) at the age of 47. The World Cup winner's announcement has renewed questions about the potential role of contact sports in the development of the condition.
MND is a rare neurological condition that damages the nervous system, leading to difficulties with walking, speaking and breathing. Around 5,000 adults in the UK have the disease, with a one in 300 lifetime risk. While genetics account for up to one in ten cases, experts believe lifestyle and environmental factors may also contribute.
Studies have produced mixed results on the link between rugby and MND. Last year, Durham University research found that multiple concussions in retired rugby players led to changes in blood proteins associated with the disease. The study of 30 retired players showed more signs of neural damage compared to a control group of 26 athletes without head trauma.
Some scientists have also suggested that intense physical activity may raise MND risk. A 2021 University of Sheffield study found that people with a mutation in the C9ORF72 gene had an earlier onset of MND if they regularly undertook high-intensity exercise. However, Professor Dame Pamela Shaw noted that 'most people who undertake strenuous exercise do not develop motor neurone injury' and that more research is needed.
Moody has long campaigned for mandatory time limits on contact in training and increased funding for player care after retirement. His diagnosis follows the deaths of fellow rugby players Doddie Weir in 2022 and Rob Burrow in 2024 from MND.
