Lewis Moody will make an emotional return to Allianz Stadium, Twickenham this Saturday when he delivers the match ball for England’s first match of the Autumn Nations Series against Australia.
The World Cup winner revealed earlier this month that he has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND). The 47-year-old is the latest rugby star to battle the degenerative condition, following the deaths of Rob Burrow and Doddie Weir in the last three years.
Moody, who won 71 England caps and captained his country on 12 occasions, was at Welford Road as a guest of honour last weekend to watch his former clubs Leicester Tigers and Bath. This weekend he will deliver the match ball ahead of Steve Borthwick’s England side taking on Australia.
The RFU will promote a GoFundMe page set up by Moody’s friends Geordan Murphy and Leon Lloyd to raise money for his family. There will also be a match-worn shirt auction after the fixture, with all proceeds donated.
“It was one of my life’s greatest pleasures to play for England,” said Moody. “It will be an honour to carry the match ball out on Saturday, as a new generation of warriors get set to pull on the jersey and make us proud.”
MND damages the body’s motor neurons and causes muscle weakness and wasting. There is currently no cure, though treatment can slow progression. Moody discovered weaknesses in his shoulder during a gym session.
