Rugby legend and former England captain Lewis Moody has revealed he’s been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND), joining a tragic list that includes Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow.
The 47-year-old World Cup winner shared the news with the BBC, saying he was told of the diagnosis just two weeks ago. Despite the life-changing moment, Moody admitted it still doesn’t feel real.
“You’re given this diagnosis of MND and we’re rightly quite emotional about it,” he said. “But it’s so strange because I feel like nothing’s wrong. I don’t feel ill. I don’t feel unwell. My symptoms are very minor — a bit of muscle wasting in the hand and shoulder — and I’m still capable of doing anything and everything.”
Moody captained England, earned 71 international caps, and was part of the historic 2003 World Cup-winning team. In that unforgettable Sydney final, it was his line-out win that led to Jonny Wilkinson’s drop goal — a moment etched forever in English sporting history.
He also represented the British and Irish Lions, and at club level, became a Leicester Tigers icon with 223 appearances, two European Cups, and seven domestic titles, before finishing his career at Bath.
Tributes have poured in from across the rugby world.
RFU chief Bill Sweeney called him “one of the toughest and most fearless players ever to don an England shirt”, adding that “the entire rugby community stands with Lewis and his family.”
Leicester Tigers chief executive Andrea Pinchen added:
“His commitment, warmth, and passion shone through — the trophies tell part of the story, but the man himself tells the rest.”
Former teammates Geordan Murphy and Leon Lloyd have launched an online fundraiser to support Moody and his family — surpassing £1,000 within the first hour.
As rugby once again rallies behind one of its own, the same spirit of unity that honoured Weir and Burrow now surrounds Moody — a warrior facing another battle with trademark courage.
