The rugby community has rallied around Lewis Moody, the 47-year-old former England captain, after he revealed his motor neurone disease (MND) diagnosis. Teammates, coaches, and rugby leaders have voiced admiration for Moody's strength and humanity as he prepares to face the progressive condition.

Will Greenwood, Moody's former England and Leicester Tigers teammate, described the flanker as "a man of immense integrity and warmth" who will fight the disease with determination. "Lewis embodies everything that's good about rugby—courage, camaraderie, and an unyielding spirit," Greenwood said on BBC Radio 5 Live. "His positivity and ferocity on the field were unmatched, and I have no doubt he'll channel that same resolve now."

Moody, who earned 71 caps for England and three for the British and Irish Lions, admitted to BBC Breakfast he's found it difficult to process the news. He expressed regret for not contacting fellow MND sufferer Ed Slater, the former Leicester forward diagnosed in 2022, stating he felt "hesitant" about confronting the reality of the incurable illness. Slater, however, responded with solidarity: "We’re here for you, Lewis. Let’s tackle this together." He shared a fundraising link for Moody’s support campaign on social media.

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has pledged full backing for Moody and his family. CEO Bill Sweeney hailed Moody as "a symbol of rugby’s core values—tenacity, humility, and excellence," emphasizing his legacy as a player for Leicester Tigers and Bath Rugby. "Lewis’s fearlessness in the back row and his generosity off it have inspired generations. We’ll ensure he receives the practical and emotional support he needs."

Former England teammate Chris Ashton called Moody’s diagnosis "a gut-wrenching blow," noting the disease’s toll on the rugby community. "We’ve seen this take Rob Burrow, Doddie Weir, and now Lewis. It’s devastating, but his passion and leadership will guide us through this challenge." Scrum-half Danny Care echoed the sentiment, recalling Moody’s mentorship: "He welcomed me with open arms in my early days. Now we’ll return that support tenfold."

Kevin Sinfield, an England assistant coach and MND fundraising advocate after his friend Rob Burrow’s battle with the disease, pledged continued efforts to combat MND. "Lewis’s news is heartbreaking, but it reinforces why we must never stop fighting," said Sinfield, who has raised over £10 million for awareness and research. "I’ll stand with him and his family as we push for progress."

Leicester Tigers CEO Andrea Pinchen highlighted Moody’s enduring connection to the club, where he played 223 games and won seven Premiership titles. "His legacy isn’t just about trophies. Whether he’s celebrating a win or helping sell tickets on a Friday night, Lewis always put others first," she said. "That kindness defines him."

Moody joins a growing list of rugby figures affected by MND, a neurodegenerative disease with no known cure. The condition has claimed the lives of Burrow and Weir in recent years, intensifying calls for research and athlete health safeguards. Tributes continue to flood in, underscoring Moody’s profound impact both as a player and a person.

 

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#Rugby Union #Lewis Moody #MND #Will Greenwood #Kevin Sinfield