Former England rugby union captain, Lewis Moody, has disclosed that he has received a diagnosis of motor neurone disease (MND). The 47-year-old expressed his reluctance to fully comprehend the ramifications of the diagnosis, which tragically claimed the lives of fellow rugby players Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow.

In an interview with the BBC, Moody acknowledged his apprehension about confronting the future at this point. Despite understanding the trajectory of his condition, he admitted to hesitating to face the reality of what lies ahead.

A key member of England’s victorious 2003 World Cup squad, Moody enjoyed a successful career with Leicester, securing numerous domestic and European titles. However, he now confronts a formidable challenge as he battles with MND, which was initially detected when he experienced weakness in his shoulder during a gym session.

Following unsuccessful physiotherapy, scans revealed nerve damage in his brain and spinal cord attributed to MND. Despite subtle symptoms like muscle wasting in his hand and shoulder, Moody emphasized that he currently feels physically well and capable of normal activities.

Concerned about his family, particularly his sons Ethan and Dylan, Moody expressed his biggest worry about the impact of his diagnosis on his loved ones, highlighting the emotional difficulty of sharing the news with them.

Scheduled to participate in a charity rugby match last autumn, organized by Rob Burrow and Ed Slater, both affected by MND, Moody’s involvement was thwarted by a knee injury. Reflecting on the challenges ahead, Moody expressed his desire to navigate this new reality while grappling with the uncertainty and adjustments required.

Having represented England in 71 matches over a decade, contributing to three Six Nations victories and the 2003 World Cup triumph, Moody’s illustrious rugby career also included stints with Leicester and Bath, where he achieved multiple Premiership and European Cup titles.