Lewis Moody, who won the Rugby World Cup in England, has been diagnosed with motor neuron disease (MND).
Moody, 47, revealed the news in an interview with the BBC on Monday, two weeks after the diagnosis of a muscle-sucking illness.
“There’s something about looking at the future of your face and not really wanting to deal with it in that moment,” Moody said. “It’s not that we don’t know where it’s heading. We understand that. But for now we’re absolutely resistant to seeing the future of our faces.”
He was a key part of England’s 2003 victory, earning 71 caps from 2001 to 2011. He won the World Cup in Australia in all seven matches and the lineout that led to Johnny Wilkinson’s winning drop goal in the final against the hosts.
He toured with the British and Ireland Lions in 2005, finishing his career in Bath at the domestic level, winning seven premier titles with the Leicester Tigers and two Heineken Cups.
Moody was an uncompromising backlower during performance days, renowned for his incredible workplace and considered the ultimate teamman. He was a ferocious tackler, a great operator in the breakdown area and was considered one of the best players in the game in his professional days.
MND is a degenerative neurological condition that usually reduces life. The pace at which certain symptoms and weakness occur may vary between individuals. There is no treatment.
Moody said he first noticed the symptoms after feeling weakness in his shoulder while he was in the gym.
He received physical therapy, but the scan showed damage to the nerves and spinal cords in the brain due to MND. Former rugby players Doddy Weir and Rob Barrow have died of illness in recent years.
“You’ve had this diagnosis of MND and we’re totally very emotional about it, but it’s so weird because we feel like nothing’s wrong,” Moody said.
“I feel bad. I’m not feeling bad.
“My symptoms are very minor. I’ve had a bit of muscle in my hands and shoulders. I can still do anything, and I hope that will last as long as possible.
“There are times when we need to rely on their support, but in that moment, it’s just a problem to have that kind of love and awareness that people are there.”
“Rugby is such a great community. I told my kids the other day, I had an incredible life.
“Even if it’s finished now, I had to enjoy it all, embrace it all and do it with incredible people. When I call your passion your career, it’s one of my biggest privileges.
“I did it for a long time with my team, so it was a joy to do it and they want to support them as much as they can.
In a social media post, Moody said the diagnosis came as a “shock” but he was well supported by his family and medical professionals. He added, “I am truly grateful to those who advanced their research to help others like me live with the disease at the time.”
Moody retired from international rugby in 2011 and left the professional game a year later.
The RFU said they will gather around Moody and his family.
“We all saddened and suffered deeply to know that Lewis Moody has been diagnosed with motor neuron disease,” RFU CEO Bill Sweeney said in a statement.
“Lewis represented the Lions of the UK, UK and Ireland, as well as his clubs, the Leicester Tigers and Bath Rugby, both in illustrious and distinctive. One of the toughest and most fearsome players in a back shirt in the game won the respect and admiration of their teammates, enemies and supporters.
“The contributions to rugby on and off the field reflect the best of our sport’s value. Our thoughts are with Lewis and his family and friends during this extremely difficult time that we agree with this diagnosis.
“We are ready to provide practical and emotional support to moody families in the necessary and appropriate ways, and we are encouraging people to demonstrate their support through fundraising initiatives set up and made available through Go Fund Me.”
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Moody’s former club provided their support in separate statements after Moody revealed his diagnosis.
“The numbers, trophies, and awards teach you that Lewis is an incredible player, but that’s only half the story,” said Andrea Pinchin, CEO of the Leicester Tigers.
“As an individual, his commitment to the club shines with his warmth and passion, which he loved him as well as his teammates, staff and supporters. He always aims to help others.
“I know that every person connected to the club wants to convey the best wishes and support to Lewis and his family in every way possible.”
“We’re looking forward to seeing you in the future,” said Tarkinmac Donald, CEO of Bers Rugby.
“Lewis is a former player with roots in the local community and is part of the bus rugby family, the true ambassadors of the sport, and will always be.
“Through his foundations, his philanthropy is dedicated to raising awareness and funding to improve the lives of those in need, but this is a devastating illness and we stand together as a club that provides full support to Lewis, his family and friends.”
Information from the PA contributed to this story.