Former England rugby captain Lewis Moody Diagnosed with MND

England rugby legend Lewis Moody, a World Cup winner in 2003 and former national captain, has revealed he has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND).

The 47-year-old, capped 71 times for England and twice a European Cup winner with Leicester Tigers, said the news was a “huge shock” for him and his family.

In a statement, Moody said: “I have recently been diagnosed with ALS, also known as Motor Neurone Disease.

"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.”

The former flanker, who also played for Bath, noted that his symptoms are currently mild, with some muscle wasting in his hand and shoulder. He added that he remains capable of “doing anything and everything” and hopes that continues.

The news has prompted widespread support. RFU CEO Bill Sweeney described Moody as “one of the toughest and most fearless players ever to don a backrow shirt,” adding that the union will support his family “in whatever way is needed.”

Leicester Tigers praised him as an “instrumental part of a golden era,” while Lions chair Ieuan Evans highlighted his role in the famous 2003 World Cup win and his try against New Zealand in the 2005 Lions series.

Moody’s diagnosis follows a worrying pattern within rugby, with former stars Joost van der Westhuizen, Doddie Weir, and Rob Burrow all having succumbed to MND.

Studies have shown that former international players face a significantly higher risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases than the general population.

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