England World Cup winner Lewis Moody has confirmed the devastating news he has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND).
The former Leicester and Bath flanker, now 47, was a member of Sir Clive Woodward’s squad that tasted global glory in Australia in 2003.
Renowned as a fearless and tough-tackling forward, Moody won 71 England caps and was also a British & Irish Lion in 2005, featuring in all three Tests on that year’s tour of New Zealand.
Moody confirmed his MND diagnosis on the BBC on Monday morning, sat alongside his wife Annie.
‘There’s something about looking the future in the face and not wanting to really process that at the minute,’ Moody said.
‘It’s not that I don’t understand where it’s going. We understand that. But there is absolutely a reluctance to look the future in the face for now.
Ex-England star Lewis Moody confirmed he has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease
Moody, pictured alongside his wife Annie, opened up about his diagnosis on Monday morning
Moody won 71 England caps and was part of the World Cup winning squad back in 2003
‘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 added.
‘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.’
Moody revealed he had been diagnosed two weeks ago.
The World Cup winner had noticed weakness in his shoulder while training in the gym, but the issue was unable to be resolved by physiotherapy failed to improve the problem.
Scans then revealed showed nerves in his brain and spinal cord had been damaged by MND.
Moody added that telling his sons Dylan and Ethan, who are 17 and 15, was the ‘hardest thing I’ve ever had to do’.
He revealed they had ‘sat on the couch in tears’ after revealing the heartbreaking diagnosis.
Moody had played in all seven World Cup matches for Sir Clive Woodward’s side – pictured in the middle row as the England squad attended a reception at Buckingham Palace
Moody broke down in tears when revealing the moment he told his sons about his diagnosis
Moody and his wife Annie, centre right, have raised money for his foundation to support people affected by brain tumours, but he plans to support a charity close to his current situation
Moody said he is focusing on his immediate wellbeing and his family
Moody shared a statement on social media to inform fans of his diagnosis
Dylan has followed his father into elite sport having signed his first professional contract with Championship football club Southampton, where he plays as a goalkeeper.
‘This has been incredibly hard to process and a huge shock to me and my family, Moody added in a statement on social media.
‘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 closest to us – but without doubt, I will continue to embrace life and grasp opportunities in the same way I always have.’
MND is a rare condition which affects the brain and nervous system and, cruelly, a diagnosis is terminal. The disease affects each patient differently in terms of its impact over a period of time but does, eventually, lead to death.
Joost van der Westhuizen, Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow are former rugby players from both codes who have died after MND diagnoses. Former Gloucester and Leicester lock Ed Slater is another ex-player who has received the same tragic news.
Weir lived with MND for six years, and set up a foundation to fund research into the disease.
Moody was renowned as a fearless and tough-tackling forward during his career
No official link between playing rugby and MND has yet been made.
Moody made 223 appearances for Leicester from 1996 to 2010, winning two European Cups and seven league titles. His first game as a teenager in August 1996 made him Leicester’s youngest player in a league match. Moody then joined Bath where he made 34 appearances from 2010 to 2012. He was awarded an MBE for services to rugby in 2004 after England’s World Cup victory.
Best wishes to Moody flooded in from the rugby world on Monday morning.
Bill Sweeney RFU chief executive, said: ‘We are all deeply saddened and distressed to learn that Lewis 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; and we encourage people to show their support through the fundraising initiatives now being set up and available through Go Fund Me.’
Leicester chief executive Andrea Pinchin said: ‘The figures, trophies and awards tell you what an incredible player Lewis was, but that is only half the story.
‘As an individual, his commitment to his club along with his warmth and passion shone through, which endeared him to teammates, staff and supporters alike. Always looking to help others, Lewis together with Annie have worked tirelessly through the Lewis Moody Foundation, supporting research into brain tumours and helping affected families.
Moody made 223 appearances for Leicester from 1996 to 2010, winning two European Cups and seven league titles
Geordan Murphy, left, and Leon Lloyd have launched a fundraising page to support Moody and his family
‘I know everyone connected with the club will want to pass on their best wishes and support to Lewis and his family in any way they can.
Moody’s former Tigers teammates and close friends Leon Lloyd and Geordan Murphy are launching a GoFundMe page which will support Lewis and his family, as well as their associated charities.
You can donate to this fund here.
Pinchen added: ‘I know the Tigers family will join me in letting Lewis, Annie and their family know that our thoughts and support are with them always.’
