Previous English Rugby Union Captain Announces Motor Neurone Disease Diagnosis

Former England captain Lewis Moody has revealed he has been found to have motor neurone disease and stated he cannot yet face the full implications of the muscle-deteriorating condition that took the lives of fellow rugby players Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow.

The middle-aged sportsman, who was part of the 2003 championship side and secured numerous English and European titles with Leicester, appeared on BBC Breakfast a fortnight after discovering he has the disease.

"There's something about looking the future in the face and not wanting to completely absorb that at the moment," he commented.

"It isn't that I am unaware of where it's progressing. We understand that. But there is definitely a hesitation to confront the future for now."

Moody, speaking alongside his wife Annie, says rather he feels "at ease" as he concentrates on his current health, his family and making preparations for when the disease worsens.

"Maybe that's trauma or maybe I process things uniquely, and when I have the details, it's more manageable," he stated further.

Initial Signs

Moody learned he had MND after detecting some weakness in his shoulder area while working out in the gym.

After physiotherapy was ineffective for the condition, a series of scans showed nerves in his central nervous system had been compromised by MND.

"You're presented with this medical finding of MND and we're understandably very affected about it, but it's rather peculiar because I sense that I'm perfectly healthy," he continued.

"I don't sense ill. I don't experience sick

"My symptoms are quite slight. I have some muscle wasting in the hand area and the upper arm.

"I remain competent to performing anything and everything. And with luck that will persist for as long as is attainable."

Illness Advancement

MND can advance rapidly.

As per the organization MND Association, the illness claims a one-third of people within a 365 days and above half within two years of detection, as ingestion and inhalation become harder.

Treatment can only slow deterioration.

"It isn't ever me that I experience sorrow for," added an emotional Moody.

"It's the grief around having to break the news to my mum - as an only child - and the ramifications that has for her."

Household Consequences

Talking from the family home with his wife and their family dog by his side, Moody was overcome with sentiment when he spoke about breaking the news to his sons - 17-year-old Dylan and 15-year-old Ethan - the traumatic news, stating: "That represented the toughest thing I've ever had to do."

"These are two wonderful boys and that was quite devastating," Moody said.

"We positioned ourselves on the couch in crying, Ethan and Dylan both embraced in each other, then the dog jumped over and commenced cleaning the moisture off our faces, which was quite funny."

Moody explained the focus was remaining in the present.

"We have no treatment and that is why you have to be very strongly concentrated on just embracing and appreciating each moment now," he said.

"As my wife mentioned, we've been very blessed that the only real decision I made when I retired from playing was to spend as much time with the kids as feasible. We won't recover those years back."

Athlete Connection

Elite sportspeople are unevenly impacted by MND, with research proposing the incidence of the disease is up to six times elevated than in the wider community.

It is thought that by limiting the oxygen accessible and causing damage to neural pathways, consistent, vigorous training can activate the condition in those already vulnerable.

Athletic Professional Life

Moody, who gained 71 England caps and traveled with the British and Irish Lions in New Zealand in 2005, was called 'Mad Dog' during his professional days, in honour of his fearless, unwavering approach to the game.

He competed through a fracture of his leg for a time with Leicester and once sparked a workout confrontation with fellow player and friend Martin Johnson when, irritated, he abandoned a practice gear and started participating in collisions.

After entering as a replacement in the Rugby World Cup decisive match win over Australia in 2003, he secured a ball at the rear of the set piece in the critical passage of play, creating a foundation for half-back Matt Dawson to attack and Jonny Wilkinson to score the match-winning field goal.

Backing System

Moody has already informed Johnson, who skippered England to that victory, and a couple of other previous players about his medical situation, but the others will be learning his news with the broader public.

"There shall be a period when we'll need to lean on their support but, at the moment, just having that type of love and recognition that people are present is all that matters," he said.

"The sport is such a wonderful group.

"I said to the kids the other day, I've had an extraordinary life.

"Even if it concluded now, I've valued all of it and embraced all of it and got to do it with exceptional people.

"When you get to call your enthusiasm your career, it's one of the most important privileges.

"Having accomplished it for so considerable a time with the squads that I did it with was a joy. And I am aware they will wish to help in every way they can and I look forward to having those conversations."