Lewis Moody, the former captain of the England rugby union team, has announced that he has been diagnosed with MND. This announcement is especially bittersweet since he himself received this terrible news at age 47. He was first diagnosed two weeks ago. Shortly after, he dropped this bombshell during an interview with the BBC.
Moody had previously won 71 caps for England and played in all seven games of the sublime, seismic 2003 Rugby World Cup. Recently, he opened up to the public about developing milder symptoms, including some muscle wasting in his hand and shoulder. As many players can attest, Moody is legendary for his fierce pursuit and unflappable spirit on the gridiron. His diagnosis comes as a terrible surprise to many fans who loved his ferocious playing style.
Moody had an illustrious career, including five tours to the British and Irish Lions. He left his stamp at other high-profile clubs, including Leicester Tigers and Bath Rugby. He won seven other trophies with Leicester. He is widely known as the player who won the line-out from which Jonny Wilkinson dropped England’s score that made us World Champions in 2003 and secured our place in rugby folklore.
Expressing his thoughts on his recent diagnosis, Moody stated, “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 wanted to make clear that he is not unwell. Even though MND is life-threatening, he pointed out that “I don’t look sick,” referring to how people perceive him today.
Moody’s symptoms, which he characterized as being quite slight, have led to concerns about how the disease will impact his future. “I’m still capable of doing anything and everything. Hopefully that will continue for as long as is possible,” he added, showing a sense of determination in facing this challenge.
Bill Sweeney, the CEO of the Rugby Football Union, praised Moody’s remarkable career, stating, “Lewis represented England, the British and Irish Lions, and his clubs with brilliance and distinction.” To fans and teammates, Moody is a rockstar for his mesmerizing techniques on the rugby pitch. They admire his stellar off-the-field character.
As Moody continues on this uncertain path with MND, he said he does not want to completely turn his back on what’s coming. “There’s something about looking the future in the face and not wanting to really process that at the minute,” he explained. He acknowledged his understanding of the situation but admitted to a hesitation in facing what lies ahead: It’s not that I’m lost on the eventual destination. We understand that. There is indeed a huge timidity to staring down the future right now.
