Former England Rugby Union Leader Announces Motor Neurone Disease Medical Condition

Former England leader Lewis Moody has disclosed he has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease and acknowledged he cannot yet face the full consequences of the muscle-deteriorating condition that took the lives of other rugby players Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow.

The middle-aged sportsman, who was a member of the 2003 championship side and won multiple English and European titles with Leicester, spoke to BBC Breakfast two weeks after discovering he has the condition.

"There's a certain confronting what lies ahead and being reluctant to really process that at the minute," he said.

"It's not that I don't understand where it's heading. We understand that. But there is certainly a unwillingness to look the future in the face for now."

Moody, conversing alongside his wife Annie, states conversely he feels "at ease" as he concentrates on his current health, his family and making preparations for when the condition progresses.

"Possibly that's surprise or possibly I handle situations differently, and when I have the facts, it's more manageable," he continued.

First Indications

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

After rehabilitation didn't help the problem, a number of scans indicated neural pathways in his neurological system had been affected by MND.

"You're given this condition identification of MND and we're understandably very affected about it, but it's quite odd because I feel like nothing's wrong," he remarked.

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

"The signs I have are very minor. I have some muscle deterioration in the fingers and the shoulder.

"I remain competent to performing whatever I want. And optimistically that will persist for as long as is feasible."

Condition Progression

MND can advance quickly.

Based on the organization MND Association, the disease kills a 33% of people within a twelve months and more than half within 24 months of diagnosis, as swallowing and inhalation become increasingly challenging.

Medical care can only slow decline.

"It's not me that I am upset for," stated an moved Moody.

"There's sorrow around having to inform my mum - as an single child - and the ramifications that has for her."

Family Effect

Talking from the family home with his wife and their family dog by his side, Moody was consumed with emotion when he spoke about telling his sons - 17-year Dylan and adolescent Ethan - the heartbreaking news, saying: "That represented the toughest thing I've ever had to do."

"These are two excellent boys and that was quite heartbreaking," Moody said.

"We were seated on the settee in tears, Ethan and Dylan both embraced in each other, then the dog leapt across and started licking the tears off our faces, which was somewhat funny."

Moody stated the emphasis was staying in the now.

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

"According to Annie, we've been really fortunate that the primary determination I made when I concluded playing was to allocate as much time with the kids as possible. We don't get those periods back."

Athlete Connection

Top-level athletes are disproportionately affected by MND, with investigations indicating the rate of the condition is up to 600% higher than in the broader public.

It is considered that by limiting the O2 obtainable and causing damage to motor neurone cells, frequent, vigorous exercise can trigger the disease in those already vulnerable.

Rugby Playing Days

Moody, who gained 71 England selections and competed with the British and Irish Lions in New Zealand in 2005, was nicknamed 'Mad Dog' during his playing career, in recognition of his courageous, unwavering style to the game.

He participated through a fracture of his leg for a period with Leicester and once initiated a workout scuffle with team-mate and friend Martin Johnson when, irritated, he left a practice gear and began engaging in tackles.

After coming on as a reserve in the Rugby World Cup championship win over Australia in 2003, he claimed a ball at the back of the throw-in in the crucial phase of play, setting a foundation for playmaker Matt Dawson to snipe and Jonny Wilkinson to execute the game-deciding field goal.

Backing Network

Moody has previously told Johnson, who captained England to that title, and a handful of other former players about his medical situation, but the remaining individuals will be discovering his news with the remainder of public.

"There will be a moment when we'll need to rely on their backing but, at the present, just having that kind of love and acceptance that people are available is what's important," he stated.

"The sport is such a wonderful community.

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

"Even if it finished now, I've valued all of it and accepted all of it and got to do it with remarkable people.

"Being able to label your enthusiasm your career, it's one of the greatest privileges.

"Having accomplished it for so extended a duration with the teams that I did it with was a joy. And I know they will want to assist in every way they can and I look forward to having those talks."