The rugby world rallied around Lewis Moody after England’s 2003 World Cup-winning flanker revealed he had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND). 

Moody, a former Leicester and Bath flanker, now 47, was a member of Sir Clive Woodward’s squad that tasted global glory in Australia in 2003. 

He also captained his country. Renowned as a fearless and tough-tackling forward, Moody won 71 England caps and was also a British & Irish Lion in 2005, featuring in all three Tests on that year’s tour of New Zealand. 

‘It was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do,’ Moody told the BBC. ‘They are two brilliant boys and that was pretty heartbreaking. 

‘We sat on the couch in tears, Ethan and Dylan both wrapped up in each other, then the dog jumped over and started licking the tears off our faces which was rather sweet.’ 

Moody, pictured alongside his wife Annie, opened up about his diagnosis on Monday morning

Moody won 71 England caps and was part of the World Cup winning squad back in 2003

MND is a life-shortening neurological disease which affects the nerves that control movement and leads to muscles deteriorating so they no longer work. There is no cure. Moody’s revelation shocked not only his sport, but the whole ecosystem. 

The news is beyond cruel. Moody is not the first rugby player to have been hit by MND. Scotland and Lions great Doddie Weir and rugby league legend Rob Burrow have both died from the disease within the past three years. 

Former South Africa scrum-half Joost van der Westhuizen also passed away after battling MND while former Leicester and Gloucester forward Ed Slater has also received the same terminal diagnosis. 

‘There’s something about looking the future in the face and not wanting to really process that at the minute,’ Moody said. ‘It’s not that I don’t understand where it’s going. We understand that. But there is absolutely a reluctance to look the future in the face for now. 

‘Maybe that’s shock or maybe I process things differently. Once I have the information, it’s easier. You’re given this diagnosis of MND and we’re rightly quite emotional about it, but it’s so strange because I feel like nothing’s wrong. I don’t feel ill. I don’t feel unwell. 

‘My symptoms are very minor. I have a bit of muscle wasting in the hand and the shoulder. ‘I’m still capable of doing anything and everything. And hopefully that will continue for as long as is possible.’ 

No official link between playing rugby and MND has yet been made. Moody made 223 appearances for Leicester from 1996 to 2010, winning two European Cups and seven league titles. His first game as a teenager in August 1996 made him Leicester’s youngest player in a league match. 

Moody then joined Bath where he made 34 appearances from 2010 to 2012. He was awarded an MBE for services to rugby in 2004 after England’s World Cup victory. 

Moody had played in all seven World Cup matches for Sir Clive Woodward’s side – pictured in the middle row as the England squad attended a reception at Buckingham Palace

Moody broke down in tears when revealing the moment he told his sons about his diagnosis

Moody and his wife Annie, centre right, have raised money for his foundation to support people affected by brain tumours, but he plans to support a charity close to his current situation

Moody said he is focusing on his immediate wellbeing and his family

Moody shared a statement on social media to inform fans of his diagnosis

According to the charity MND Association, the disease kills a third of people within a year and more than half within two years of diagnosis, as swallowing and breathing become more difficult. Loss of speech is also a common occurrence. 

Treatment can only slow deterioration. ‘It’s never me I feel sad for,’ said Moody, who was flanked by his wife Annie. ‘It’s the sadness around having to tell my mum – as an only child – and the implications that has for her. There is no cure and that is why you have to be so militantly focused on just embracing and enjoying everything now. 

‘We’ve been really lucky the only real decision I made when I retired from playing was to spend as much time with the kids as possible. We don’t get those years back.’ 

Moody’s eldest son Dylan, 17, plays football for Southampton and England at Under-18 level. His former Leicester team-mates set up an online fundraising page to support Moody and his family once the diagnosis had been made public with the aim of reaching £130,000. 

Tens of thousands rolled in immediately. ‘It is daunting because I love being active and embracing life,’ Moody said. ‘There are a lot of questions around what we need to put in place for the future. It’s still so new. I found out two weeks ago. Rugby is such a great community. 

‘I said to the kids the other day, I’ve had an incredible life. Even if it ended now, I’ve enjoyed all of it and embraced all of it and got to do it with unbelievable people. 

‘When you get to call your passion your career, it’s one of the greatest privileges. To have done it for so long with the teams I did it with was a pleasure. And I know they will want to support in whatever way they can. I look forward to having those conversations.’ 

Moody had noticed weakness in his shoulder while training in the gym, but the issue was unable to be resolved by physiotherapy. Scans then revealed nerves in his brain and spinal cord had been damaged by MND. 

Moody’s ex-England team-mate and fellow World Cup winner Will Greenwood told BBC Radio 5 Live: ‘He is the most wonderful human that we love to his very core. ‘It is just tragic news because he is one of the great guys. There is not a nasty bone in his body. 

‘He is the most optimistic human you can hope to find and then he had an ability on the pitch to just turn a switch and be the most ferocious competitor. ‘He will fight this with every ounce of his strength.’ 

Moody’s former teams Leicester, Bath, England and the Lions sent their best wishes to the player. 

In a social media statement, Moody said: ‘This has been incredibly hard to process and a huge shock to me and my family. I’m focused on staying positive, living life and dealing with the changes I will experience as they come. 

‘I am being well supported by my family, friends and medical professionals and I’m truly grateful to those who, in their time, helped progress research to support others, like me, living with this disease. 

‘For now, please know I feel your love and support. All I ask is that I am given some space to navigate this with my wife and sons and those closest to us. But without doubt, I will continue to embrace life and grasp opportunities in the same way I always have.’ 

Bill Sweeney RFU chief executive, said: ‘We are all deeply saddened and distressed to learn that Lewis has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease. 

‘Lewis represented England, the Lions and his clubs Leicester and Bath with both brilliance and distinction. 

‘He was one of the toughest and most fearless players ever to don a back-row shirt in the game, earning the respect and admiration of team-mates, opponents and supporters alike all over the world.’

‘His contribution to rugby, both on and off the field reflects the very best of our sport’s values. 

‘Our thoughts are with Lewis and his family and friends at this very difficult time as they come to terms with this diagnosis. I know the entire rugby community stands with them. 

‘We are ready to offer practical and emotional support to the Moody family in whatever way is needed and appropriate and we encourage people to show their support through the fundraising initiatives now being set up.’ 

Moody was renowned as a fearless and tough-tackling forward during his career

Moody’s eldest son Dylan, 17, plays for Southampton and England’s Under-18 team

Moody made 223 appearances for Leicester from 1996 to 2010, winning two European Cups and seven league titles 

Geordan Murphy, left, and Leon Lloyd have launched a fundraising page to support Moody and his family

Leicester chief executive Andrea Pinchin said: ‘The figures, trophies and awards tell you what an incredible player Lewis was, but that is only half the story. ‘As an individual, his commitment to his club along with his warmth and passion shone through. 

‘Always looking to help others, Lewis together with Annie, have worked tirelessly through the Lewis Moody Foundation, supporting research into brain tumours and helping affected families. 

‘I know everyone connected with the club will want to pass on their best wishes and support to Lewis and his family in any way they can.’