Lewis Moody, the former England captain and 2003 Rugby World Cup winner, has revealed he has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease, becoming the latest high-profile rugby figure to be affected by the devastating condition.
- Lewis Moody, 47, diagnosed with motor neurone disease two weeks before public announcement
- Former England captain discovered condition after noticing shoulder weakness during gym training
- Moody won 2003 Rugby World Cup and seven Premiership titles with Leicester Tigers
- Rugby community launches fundraising initiatives to support Moody family and MND research
- Latest in concerning trend of elite rugby players diagnosed with degenerative condition
The 47-year-old, who lifted multiple English and European titles with Leicester Tigers during a glittering 16-year playing career, disclosed his diagnosis in an emotional interview two weeks after receiving the news. Speaking candidly about his reluctance to fully process the implications of living with MND, Moody emphasised his determination to focus on the present whilst making necessary preparations for an uncertain future.
The diagnosis
Moody first noticed something amiss whilst training in the gym, when he experienced weakness in his shoulder. After physiotherapy failed to resolve the issue, further medical investigation revealed the stark reality. Scans showed that nerves in his brain and spinal cord had been damaged by MND, the progressive disease that attacks the motor neurones controlling movement, speech, swallowing and breathing.
“There’s something about looking the future in the face and not wanting to really process that at the minute,” Moody told BBC Breakfast alongside his wife Annie. “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.”
The disconnect between diagnosis and physical reality has proved particularly difficult to reconcile. Moody described feeling emotionally affected by the news whilst simultaneously feeling as though nothing was wrong, with only minor muscle wasting in his hand and shoulder. “I don’t feel ill. I don’t feel unwell,” he explained. “I’m still capable of doing anything and everything. And hopefully that will continue for as long as is possible.”
A glittering rugby career
Moody’s diagnosis represents another cruel blow for the rugby community. The former flanker made 223 appearances for Leicester Tigers between 1996 and 2010, winning seven Premiership titles and two European Cups. His fearless, relentless approach to the game earned him the nickname ‘Mad Dog’ amongst teammates and supporters.
Moody won 71 England caps between 2001 and 2010, captaining his country 12 times, and toured New Zealand with the British and Irish Lions in 2005, where he appeared in all three Tests and scored a try in the final Test. His defining moment came as part of England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup triumph, when he came on as a replacement in the final against Australia. In the decisive passage of play, Moody claimed a ball at the back of the line-out, setting the platform for Matt Dawson to snipe and Jonny Wilkinson to kick the match-winning drop goal.
Stories of his commitment to the cause are legendary – he once played through a stress fracture in his leg and sparked a training-ground scuffle with teammate Martin Johnson when, frustrated, he abandoned a tackle pad and started throwing himself into tackles. Such dedication earned him an MBE for services to rugby in 2004.
The hardest conversations
Whilst Moody has adopted a pragmatic approach to his own situation, the emotional toll of informing loved ones has proved overwhelming. Telling his two sons – 17-year-old Dylan, a goalkeeper for Southampton and England Under-18s, and 15-year-old Ethan – was described as “the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do”.
“They are two brilliant boys and that was pretty heartbreaking,” Moody recalled. “We sat on the couch in tears, Ethan and Dylan both wrapped up in each other, then the dog jumped over and started licking the tears off our faces, which was rather silly.”
The diagnosis also carries particular poignancy for his mother. “It’s never me that I feel sad for,” Moody said. “It’s the sadness around having to tell my mum – as an only child – and the implications that has for her.”
Living in the present
Motor neurone disease can progress rapidly, with the MND Association noting that the condition kills a third of people within a year and more than half within two years of diagnosis, as swallowing and breathing become increasingly difficult. Treatment can only slow deterioration, with no cure currently available.
Faced with such stark realities, the Moody family has chosen to embrace the present. “There is no cure and that is why you have to be so militantly focused on just embracing and enjoying everything now,” he explained. “As Annie said, we’ve been really lucky that the only real decision I made when I retired from playing was to spend as much time with the kids as possible. We don’t get those years back.”
In a statement, Moody emphasised his intention to continue living life fully: “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”.
Rugby’s MND crisis
Moody’s diagnosis adds his name to a distressing roll call of rugby players affected by motor neurone disease. Fellow players Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow both died from the illness in recent years, whilst former Leicester and Gloucester second row Ed Slater also lives with the disease and is now in a wheelchair, struggling to speak without the help of a computer programme.
A knee problem had prevented Moody from participating in the inaugural 745 Game last autumn, a fundraising cross-code match created by Burrow and Slater. Burrow died in June 2024. Now Moody finds himself part of the cause rather than a supporter. “I feel slightly selfish in a way that I’ve been reluctant to reach out to anyone, to Ed,” Moody admitted. “But there will be a time when I can. And I would like to as well. If they’re watching – I’m not ready yet, but I absolutely will [be].”
Elite athletes are disproportionately affected by MND, with research on Italian footballers suggesting the disease rate is up to six times higher than in the general population. The prevailing theory suggests that regular strenuous exercise, by limiting oxygen availability and damaging motor neurone cells, can trigger the disease in those already genetically susceptible.
Heartfelt tributes pour in
The rugby family has immediately rallied behind one of its most beloved figures, with moving tributes highlighting both Moody’s on-field brilliance and his character off the pitch.
British and Irish Lions Chair Ieuan Evans paid an emotional tribute to Lion #723, saying: “We are all greatly saddened to hear the news of Lewis Moody’s diagnosis. Lewis has given rugby so much throughout his excellent career.
“As a player Lewis inspired so many fans during a glittering career that included his club spells with Leicester Tigers and Bath Rugby, a memorable time with his country England – where he played such a big part in their unforgettable 2003 Rugby World Cup win – as well as wearing the famous red Lions jersey including scoring a try in the final Test against New Zealand in 2005.
“On behalf of everyone at The British & Irish Lions we are all thinking of Lewis and his family at this difficult time.”
Leicester Tigers, where Moody enjoyed the most successful period of his career, released a deeply personal statement reflecting on their former star’s impact both on and off the field. Chief Executive Andrea Pinchen 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.
“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.”]
The Tigers statement concluded: “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.”
Former Leicester teammates Leon Lloyd and Geordan Murphy have launched a GoFundMe page to support the Moody family and associated charities, with the club encouraging supporters to contribute.
Rugby Football Union CEO Bill Sweeney described Moody as “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.”
Sweeney added: “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.”
Looking ahead
Moody and his wife Annie have raised over £2m for brain tumour research through the Lewis Moody Foundation over the past 12 years. He now intends to continue that charitable work whilst also supporting causes closer to his current situation, though he has asked for space to determine what form that will take.
“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,” Moody said in his statement.
Moody has already informed close friends including Martin Johnson about his diagnosis, but many former teammates will be learning the news alongside the public. “There will be a time when we’ll need to lean on their support but, at the minute, just having that sort of love and acknowledgment that people are there is all that matters,” he said.
“Rugby is such a great community. I said to the kids the other day, I’ve had an incredible life. Even if it ended now, I’ve enjoyed all of it and embraced all of it and got to do it with unbelievable people. When you get to call your passion your career, it’s one of the greatest privileges. To have done it for so long with the teams that I did it with was a pleasure. And I know they will want to support in whatever way they can and I look forward to having those conversations.”
As rugby confronts yet another devastating MND diagnosis amongst its alumni, Moody’s courage in sharing his story and determination to focus on living – rather than dwelling on an uncertain future – provides both inspiration and a sobering reminder of the price some pay for sporting glory. The outpouring of support from across the rugby world demonstrates the deep affection and respect in which he is held, ensuring that whatever lies ahead, he will not face it alone.
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