Previous England Rugby Union Leader Discloses Motor Neurone Disease Medical Condition

Previous 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 other rugby players Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow.

The middle-aged sportsman, who was involved in the 2003 Rugby World Cup-winning side and won numerous English and European titles with Leicester, appeared on BBC Breakfast two weeks after discovering he has the illness.

"There's a certain confronting what lies ahead and not wanting to really process that at the present time," he stated.

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

Moody, conversing with his wife Annie, states instead he feels "peaceful" as he directs his attention to his present welfare, his family and getting ready for when the disease progresses.

"Perhaps that's trauma or possibly I process things differently, and when I have the details, it's more manageable," he continued.

First Signs

Moody learned he had MND after observing some reduced power in his upper arm while working out in the gym.

After rehabilitation didn't help the issue, a set of scans showed nerves in his brain and spinal cord had been damaged by MND.

"You're given this diagnosis of MND and we're rightly very affected about it, but it's rather peculiar because I feel like everything is fine," he added.

"I don't feel unwell. I don't feel poorly

"The signs I have are very minor. I have some muscle wasting in the hand area and the upper arm.

"I'm still capable of accomplishing anything and everything. And with luck that will persist for as long as is feasible."

Illness Advancement

MND can advance rapidly.

Based on the non-profit MND Association, the disease takes the lives of a 33% of people within a 365 days and over half within 730 days of identification, as swallowing and respiration become harder.

Therapy can only slow deterioration.

"It's not me that I experience sorrow for," commented an emotional Moody.

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

Household Effect

Speaking from the household with his wife and their pet dog by his side, Moody was overwhelmed by sentiment when he spoke about breaking the news to his sons - teenage Dylan and 15-year-old Ethan - the traumatic news, saying: "This was the most difficult thing I've ever had to do."

"They're two wonderful boys and that was pretty upsetting," Moody said.

"We sat on the sofa in crying, Ethan and Dylan both embraced in each other, then the dog bounded over and began removing the moisture off our faces, which was somewhat funny."

Moody said the emphasis was remaining in the now.

"There is no solution and that is why you have to be extremely militantly concentrated on just welcoming and savoring each moment now," he said.

"According to Annie, we've been very blessed that the only real choice I made when I left playing was to spend as much time with the kids as possible. We won't recover those years back."

Athlete Connection

Elite competitors are unevenly affected by MND, with studies suggesting the incidence of the disease is up to 600% elevated than in the wider community.

It is thought that by restricting the air obtainable and producing injury to motor neurone cells, regular, strenuous physical activity can activate the illness in those already vulnerable.

Athletic Professional Life

Moody, who won 71 England selections and traveled with the British and Irish Lions in New Zealand in 2005, was nicknamed 'Mad Dog' during his playing career, in recognition of his fearless, persistent approach to the game.

He participated through a bone injury of his leg for a period with Leicester and once initiated a practice scuffle with fellow player and friend Martin Johnson when, irritated, he abandoned a tackle pad and started engaging in collisions.

After appearing as a replacement in the Rugby World Cup championship win over Australia in 2003, he secured a ball at the rear of the set piece in the crucial moment of play, establishing a foundation for playmaker Matt Dawson to attack and Jonny Wilkinson to kick the game-deciding drop kick.

Support Network

Moody has already informed Johnson, who captained England to that victory, and a handful of other ex- team-mates about his diagnosis, 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 rely on their backing but, at the minute, just having that kind of affection and acknowledgment that people are available is what's important," he stated.

"The sport is such a wonderful family.

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

"Even should it ended now, I've valued all of it and embraced all of it and got to do it with remarkable people.

"When you get to call your love your vocation, it's one of the most significant honors.

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