Former England rugby captain Lewis Moody has announced he has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND). The 47-year-old, who won the World Cup in 2003 and earned 71 caps for his country, said he was struggling to accept what the diagnosis means for the future but intends to stay positive.
Moody, known as “Mad Dog” for his aggressive playing style, revealed his symptoms are currently “very minor”, with some muscle wasting in his hand and shoulder. In an interview with the BBC, he said: “I’m still capable of doing anything and everything. And hopefully that will continue for as long as is possible.”
The rugby world has rallied around Moody, with tributes from teammates, the Rugby Football Union and the British & Irish Lions. A GoFundMe page set up by former Leicester teammates Geordan Murphy and Leon Lloyd had raised more than £30,000 by Monday lunchtime. Kevin Sinfield, a prominent MND fundraiser, said: “I’m obviously very saddened by the news. I’d like to wish Lewis, and all his family and friends, the very best.”
Moody is the latest high-profile rugby player to be diagnosed with MND, following Doddie Weir, Rob Burrow and Joost van der Westhuizen, all of whom died from the disease. While studies suggest professional rugby players may be at higher risk, no causal link has been proven.
Moody spent 14 years at Leicester Tigers, winning seven Premiership titles and two European Cups. He also played for Bath and was awarded an MBE in 2004. Since retiring, he has taken part in ultra-endurance events. His wife Annie joined him for the BBC interview, as he said: “I don’t want to get stuck in the negativity or doom and gloom. We know the reality, I want to stay positive.”
