Former England Rugby Union Leader Announces Motor Neurone Disease Diagnosis

Former English captain Lewis Moody has revealed he has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease and stated he cannot yet deal with the full implications of the muscle-wasting condition that claimed the lives of fellow rugby players Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow.

The 47-year-old, who was involved in the 2003 championship side and won numerous English and European titles with Leicester, appeared on BBC Breakfast 14 days after discovering he has the disease.

"There's something about looking the future in the face and hesitating to fully comprehend that at the present time," he commented.

"It isn't that I don't understand where it's heading. We understand that. But there is definitely a reluctance to face what's ahead for now."

Moody, talking alongside his wife Annie, states instead he feels "calm" as he focuses on his present wellbeing, his family and making preparations for when the disease progresses.

"Maybe that's shock or maybe I deal with matters in another way, and once I have the information, it's more manageable," he added.

Early Indications

Moody learned he had MND after observing some weakness in his shoulder while exercising in the gym.

After rehabilitation didn't help the problem, a series of scans showed nerve cells in his brain and spinal cord had been damaged by MND.

"You're given this condition identification of MND and we're appropriately quite emotional about it, but it's rather peculiar because I sense that nothing's wrong," he continued.

"I don't experience sick. I don't feel sick

"My symptoms are very minor. I have some muscle wasting in the hand and the upper arm.

"I'm still competent to accomplishing all activities. And optimistically that will persist for as long as is possible."

Condition Progression

MND can advance quickly.

As per the non-profit MND Association, the disease kills a 33% of people within a 365 days and over half within 24 months of identification, as ingestion and inhalation become more difficult.

Therapy can only delay deterioration.

"It's not me that I experience sorrow for," stated an affected Moody.

"There's grief around having to inform my mum - as an only child - and the consequences that has for her."

Family Effect

Conversing from the family home with his wife and their pet dog by his side, Moody was overwhelmed by feeling when he discussed breaking the news to his sons - teenage Dylan and 15-year-old Ethan - the traumatic news, stating: "This was the most difficult thing I've ever had to do."

"They are two wonderful boys and that was quite upsetting," Moody remarked.

"We positioned ourselves on the couch in tears, Ethan and Dylan both embraced in each other, then the dog leapt across and started cleaning the drops off our faces, which was somewhat amusing."

Moody explained the emphasis was being in the moment.

"There exists no solution and that is why you have to be very militantly concentrated on just welcoming and appreciating all aspects now," he said.

"As my wife mentioned, we've been really lucky that the only real choice I made when I left playing was to devote as much duration with the kids as attainable. We can't reclaim those times back."

Athlete Link

Top-level sportspeople are unevenly influenced by MND, with investigations indicating the rate of the disease is up to 600% higher than in the wider community.

It is believed that by reducing the oxygen accessible and producing damage to nerve cells, frequent, intense training can activate the illness in those already genetically susceptible.

Sports Professional Life

Moody, who gained 71 England appearances and toured with the British and Irish Lions in New Zealand in 2005, was dubbed 'Mad Dog' during his professional days, in acknowledgment of his courageous, persistent method to the game.

He competed through a fracture of his leg for a period with Leicester and once caused a workout scuffle with colleague and friend Martin Johnson when, annoyed, he abandoned a tackle pad and commenced participating in collisions.

After appearing as a reserve in the Rugby World Cup decisive match win over Australia in 2003, he won a ball at the end of the line-out in the crucial passage of play, establishing a platform for half-back Matt Dawson to advance and Jonny Wilkinson to kick the game-deciding drop kick.

Support Network

Moody has previously informed Johnson, who captained England to that championship, and a handful of other ex- colleagues about his condition, but the remaining individuals will be finding out his news with the remainder of public.

"We'll have a time when we'll need to lean on their backing but, at the present, just having that kind of love and recognition that people are present is the crucial thing," he said.

"This game is such a wonderful family.

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

"Even when it finished now, I've appreciated all of it and embraced all of it and got to do it with exceptional people.

"When you have the opportunity to call your enthusiasm your career, it's one of the most significant privileges.

"Achieving this for so extended a duration with the teams that I did it with was a pleasure. And I know they will desire to support in whatever way they can and I await having those conversations."