Former England rugby star Lewis Moody has revealed that he has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND).
The 47-year-old, who was part of England’s 2003 World Cup-winning squad, shared the heartbreaking news during an interview with the BBC on Monday morning, sitting beside his wife, Annie.
Moody said the diagnosis came two weeks ago, admitting it has been difficult for him and his family to accept.
“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 said. “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.”
Moody explained that he first noticed weakness in his shoulder while training, but after physiotherapy failed to help, scans revealed nerve damage in his brain and spinal cord.
The former Leicester Tigers and Bath flanker, known for his fearless tackling, said the hardest part was telling his sons, Dylan (17) and Ethan (15).
“It was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do,” he said, holding back tears. “We sat on the couch in tears after I told them.”
Since retiring, Moody has dedicated his time to The Lewis Moody Foundation, which supports people living with brain tumours. He said he now plans to extend that work to help those affected by MND.
“I feel fit and well in myself and I’m focused on staying positive, living life, and dealing with changes as they come,” he said in a statement on social media. “I’ll continue to embrace life and grasp opportunities in the same way I always have.”
Moody earned 71 caps for England and played in all seven matches during the 2003 World Cup campaign. He also represented the British & Irish Lions on their 2005 tour of New Zealand.
Motor neurone disease is a rare, incurable illness that affects the brain and nerves, gradually causing loss of muscle control. Former rugby greats Doddie Weir, Rob Burrow, and Joost van der Westhuizen also suffered from the disease.
Moody said he is now focusing on his well-being and family, and asked for privacy as he navigates life with the diagnosis.
