Lewis Moody, the former England rugby captain and a pivotal figure in the nation’s 2003 Rugby World Cup triumph, has revealed that he has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as motor neurone disease (MND). The announcement, made public on October 6, 2025, sent ripples of shock and sadness through the rugby world and beyond. Moody, 47, described the diagnosis as a "huge shock" to himself and his family, but he remains committed to staying positive and living life to the fullest, even as he faces an uncertain future.
Moody, who earned 71 caps for England and featured in every match of the 2003 World Cup campaign, said he first noticed symptoms while training in the gym. What he initially thought was a minor shoulder issue failed to improve with physiotherapy. "I have a bit of muscle wasting in the hand and the shoulder," Moody explained, describing his symptoms as minor at this stage. Scans later revealed nerve damage consistent with ALS. "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," he said in a statement shared on social media and reiterated during a BBC interview.
For Moody, the hardest part of the diagnosis was not what it meant for himself, but what it meant for his loved ones. In an emotional appearance on BBC Breakfast, he fought back tears as he discussed breaking the news to his family. "It’s never me that I feel sad for, it’s how I tell my mum as an only child and how I tell the boys, my two brilliant boys, that was pretty heartbreaking," he admitted. Sitting alongside his wife Annie, Moody added, "There’s something about looking the future in the face and not wanting to really process that at the minute. 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."
Moody’s openness about his diagnosis has prompted an outpouring of support from across the rugby community. Rugby Football Union CEO Bill Sweeney expressed deep sadness at the news, stating, "Lewis represented England, the British and Irish Lions and his clubs Leicester Tigers and Bath Rugby with both brilliance and distinction—one of the toughest and most fearless players ever to don a back-row shirt in the game, earning the respect and admiration of team-mates, opponents, and supporters alike all over the world." Sweeney emphasized that the entire rugby family stands ready to offer practical and emotional support to Moody and his loved ones.
Moody’s career is the stuff of rugby legend. Nicknamed “Mad Dog” for his relentless, hard-hitting style, he played 223 games for Leicester Tigers, winning seven domestic titles and two European Cups. He finished his club career at Bath Rugby. Moody also played five tests for the British and Irish Lions and captained England in the 2010 Six Nations. But perhaps his most iconic moment came in the 2003 World Cup final, when he won the crucial lineout that led to Jonny Wilkinson’s match-winning drop goal—a memory still cherished by England fans.
Tributes have poured in from former teammates and rivals alike. Will Greenwood, who played alongside Moody in 2003, told the BBC, "He is the most optimistic human you can hope to find... and then he had an ability on the pitch to just turn a switch and be the most ferocious competitor. He will fight this with every ounce of his strength." Greenwood added, "He’s still very much with us, he’s still the same epic human being that he always was. There is so much research going into this at the moment and it’s really dangerous I think at times to jump to conclusions... As yet cause and effect are still a long way from being certain. This is another reminder that we must continue to do our due diligence to understand why this disease takes place."
Kevin Sinfield, a coach with the England rugby union team and a prominent fundraiser for MND research, also pledged his support: "I’ll support in any way I can. We have to keep fighting MND together." Sinfield’s advocacy comes in the wake of the deaths of fellow rugby players Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow from the disease, which has galvanized fundraising efforts within the sport.
Motor neurone disease, as explained by GP Dr. Raj Arora to the BBC, is a neurodegenerative condition that affects nerves in the brain and spinal cord. It most commonly strikes people between the ages of 50 and 70, though it can occur at any age. Symptoms often begin with muscle weakness, stiffness, or cramps, and can progress to affect breathing, swallowing, and speech. The National Health Service notes that the disease is usually life-shortening and currently incurable, though treatments and supportive therapies can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Dr. Arora emphasized, "While there is no cure for MND, certain treatments can help slow the progression of symptoms. There are some medications that may extend life expectancy and slow progression. Supportive therapies, including physical therapy, speech therapy, and nutritional support, can also improve quality of life."
The cause of MND remains unclear. While some studies have shown a correlation between playing elite-level rugby and a higher likelihood of developing the disease, Dr. Arora cautioned, "Correlation does not equal causation." About one in ten cases have a family history, but most are sporadic. Environmental factors such as exposure to toxins or viruses have been suggested, but no definitive links have been proven.
Moody’s diagnosis has once again brought attention to the challenges faced by those living with MND and the urgent need for continued research. Since retiring, Moody has dedicated much of his time to The Lewis Moody Foundation, which supports research and awareness for brain tumors. He now plans to expand his charitable work to include support for MND, stating, "My plan is to continue with this but to also create an opportunity to support a charity closer to my current situation. I would be so grateful for your help with this and look forward to sharing more, once I am clear on what this looks like."
In the wake of his announcement, former teammates Geordan Murphy and Leon Lloyd launched an online fundraiser to help support Moody and his family. The rugby world, from fans to officials, has rallied around one of its most respected figures, echoing the words of Leicester Tigers chief executive Andrea Pinchen: "As an individual, his commitment to his club along with his warmth and passion shone through, which endeared him to team-mates, staff and supporters alike."
For now, Moody is focused on spending time with his family, embracing life, and facing each day with the same determination and optimism that made him a legend on the rugby field. As he put it, "All I ask is that I am given some space to navigate this with my wife and sons, and those close to us—but without doubt, I will continue to embrace life and grasp opportunities in the same way I always have."
Moody’s courage in the face of adversity has inspired a renewed sense of unity and purpose in the rugby community, serving as a poignant reminder of both the fragility and resilience of the human spirit.
