Previous England Rugby Union Leader Reveals MND Diagnosis

Former England skipper Lewis Moody has announced he has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease and acknowledged he cannot yet confront the full consequences of the muscle-degenerating condition that ended the lives of fellow rugby players Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow.

The 47-year-old, who was involved in the 2003 Rugby World Cup-winning side and secured multiple English and European titles with Leicester, gave an interview to BBC Breakfast two weeks after finding out he has the disease.

"There's an element of looking the future in the face and hesitating to really process that at the moment," he said.

"It's not that I am unaware of where it's heading. We comprehend that. But there is certainly a reluctance to confront the future for now."

Moody, talking with his wife Annie, says rather he feels "calm" as he directs his attention to his present welfare, his family and planning ahead for when the condition progresses.

"Possibly that's shock or perhaps I process things differently, and once I have the details, it's easier," he added.

First Signs

Moody discovered he had MND after noticing some reduced power in his shoulder area while training in the gym.

After physiotherapy failed to improve the condition, a number of scans revealed nerves in his brain and spinal cord had been damaged by MND.

"You're presented with this medical finding of MND and we're appropriately quite emotional about it, but it's so strange because I think everything is fine," he remarked.

"I don't experience unwell. I don't experience poorly

"My indications are rather minimal. I have a small amount of muscle deterioration in the hand and the upper arm.

"I remain capable of accomplishing all activities. And hopefully that will carry on for as long as is possible."

Illness Advancement

MND can progress quickly.

As per the organization MND Association, the illness claims a one-third of people within a twelve months and above half within 24 months of diagnosis, as ingestion and breathing become more difficult.

Medical care can only delay worsening.

"It's never me that I am upset for," added an emotional Moody.

"It's the sorrow around having to inform my mum - as an only child - and the implications that has for her."

Personal Effect

Conversing from the residence with his wife and their pet dog by his side, Moody was overcome with emotion when he spoke about telling his sons - 17-year Dylan and 15-year-old Ethan - the heartbreaking news, stating: "This was the most difficult thing I've ever had to do."

"They're two brilliant boys and that was rather heartbreaking," Moody stated.

"We were seated on the couch in tears, Ethan and Dylan both hugging in each other, then the dog leapt across and started cleaning the tears off our faces, which was rather funny."

Moody explained the priority was staying in the now.

"There is no solution and that is why you have to be so intensely directed on just accepting and enjoying all aspects now," he said.

"As Annie said, we've been really lucky that the only real decision I made when I left playing was to devote as much period with the kids as possible. We won't recover those periods back."

Player Connection

Elite sportspeople are disproportionately impacted by MND, with investigations suggesting the rate of the illness is up to sixfold greater than in the broader public.

It is thought that by limiting the oxygen obtainable and creating harm to neural pathways, regular, intense exercise can activate the condition in those inherently predisposed.

Rugby Playing Days

Moody, who earned 71 England selections and traveled with the British and Irish Lions in New Zealand in 2005, was nicknamed 'Mad Dog' during his sports career, in recognition of his brave, relentless style to the game.

He competed through a stress fracture of his leg for a period with Leicester and once initiated a practice confrontation with team-mate and friend Martin Johnson when, annoyed, he abandoned a tackle pad and began engaging in tackles.

After appearing as a reserve in the Rugby World Cup final win over Australia in 2003, he secured a ball at the end of the throw-in in the critical phase of play, creating a foundation for half-back Matt Dawson to snipe and Jonny Wilkinson to kick the match-winning drop-goal.

Support Community

Moody has already notified Johnson, who captained England to that title, and a couple of other former team-mates about his medical situation, but the remaining individuals will be learning his news with the remainder of public.

"There shall be a time when we'll need to lean on their assistance but, at the moment, just having that kind of care and acknowledgment that people are there is the crucial thing," he stated.

"The sport is such a wonderful community.

"I mentioned to the kids the other day, I've had an incredible life.

"Even should it ended now, I've appreciated all of it and embraced all of it and got to do it with remarkable people.

"Being able to call your love your profession, it's one of the most important blessings.

"To have done it for so long a duration with the squads that I did it with was a delight. And I know they will wish to assist in every way they can and I look forward to having those talks."