Lewis Moody Diagnosed With Motor Neurone Disease

Former England captain and 2003 World Cup winner Lewis Moody, 47, revealed he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) two weeks ago after noticing shoulder weakness and scans showing nerve damage. He says he currently has only minor symptoms — some muscle wasting in his hand and shoulder — feels fit, and has asked for space while he and his wife Annie tell their teenage sons, Dylan and Ethan, about the diagnosis. Moody, who won 71 caps for England, had a long Leicester Tigers career, toured with the 2005 British & Irish Lions and holds an MBE, and said he will continue fundraising through the Lewis Moody Foundation and develop support more closely aligned to his situation. He says he is being supported by family, friends and medical professionals and will “embrace life and grasp opportunities” while navigating the changes ahead. MND is a progressive, currently incurable neurological disease; life expectancy after diagnosis is often cited at about 27 months though roughly 10% live 10 years or more, and Moody’s announcement follows other high-profile rugby cases such as Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow.