Former English Rugby Skipper Discloses MND Medical Condition

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

The middle-aged sportsman, who was part of the World Cup champion 2003 side and secured several English and European titles with Leicester, spoke to BBC Breakfast a fortnight after finding out he has the condition.

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

"This doesn't mean I am unaware of where it's progressing. We grasp that. But there is definitely a hesitation to look the future in the face for now."

Moody, conversing together with his wife Annie, states rather he feels "calm" as he focuses on his immediate wellbeing, his family and getting ready for when the condition progresses.

"Perhaps that's surprise or possibly I handle situations in another way, and when I have the details, it's simpler," he added.

Early Indications

Moody found out he had MND after detecting some lack of strength in his shoulder while exercising in the gym.

After physical therapy failed to improve the issue, a set of scans revealed nerves in his central nervous system had been affected by MND.

"You're presented with this condition identification of MND and we're understandably extremely emotional about it, but it's quite odd because I feel like everything is fine," he continued.

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

"The signs I have are very minor. I have a bit of muscle wasting in the fingers and the shoulder region.

"I continue to be capable of accomplishing whatever I want. And hopefully that will continue for as long as is possible."

Illness Development

MND can progress rapidly.

According to the non-profit MND Association, the illness takes the lives of a 33% of people within a year and more than half within 730 days of detection, as swallowing and inhalation become increasingly challenging.

Medical care can only slow decline.

"It isn't ever me that I am upset for," commented an emotional Moody.

"It's about the sadness around having to break the news to my mum - as an sole offspring - and the consequences that has for her."

Personal Impact

Speaking from the family home with his wife and their pet dog by his side, Moody was overwhelmed by emotion when he discussed informing his sons - 17-year-old Dylan and adolescent Ethan - the traumatic news, saying: "That represented the most difficult thing I've ever had to do."

"They are two brilliant boys and that was quite devastating," Moody said.

"We positioned ourselves on the settee in tears, Ethan and Dylan both embraced in each other, then the dog leapt across and commenced licking the tears off our faces, which was quite amusing."

Moody explained the priority was staying in the present.

"There exists no cure and that is why you have to be so intensely directed on just embracing and savoring each moment now," he commented.

"According to Annie, we've been truly blessed that the primary decision I made when I retired from playing was to spend as much period with the kids as attainable. We don't get those times back."

Athlete Link

Professional athletes are disproportionately affected by MND, with research suggesting the rate of the condition is up to 600% elevated than in the broader public.

It is thought that by reducing the O2 available and causing damage to motor neurone cells, regular, strenuous physical activity can initiate the disease in those previously predisposed.

Athletic Playing Days

Moody, who gained 71 England caps and toured with the British and Irish Lions in New Zealand in 2005, was nicknamed 'Mad Dog' during his sports career, in honour of his brave, persistent approach to the game.

He competed through a bone injury of his leg for a duration with Leicester and once initiated a training-ground scuffle with colleague and friend Martin Johnson when, annoyed, he discarded a tackle pad and began throwing himself into collisions.

After coming on as a reserve in the Rugby World Cup championship win over Australia in 2003, he claimed a ball at the end of the set piece in the crucial moment of play, creating a platform for playmaker Matt Dawson to snipe and Jonny Wilkinson to execute the victory-securing drop kick.

Assistance Community

Moody has earlier informed Johnson, who captained England to that victory, and a handful of other former team-mates about his condition, but the rest will be finding out his news with the remainder of public.

"We'll have a period when we'll need to lean on their assistance but, at the moment, just having that type of affection and acknowledgment that people are available is what's important," he stated.

"This game is such a great community.

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

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

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

"To have done it for so long a time with the teams that I did it with was a joy. And I know they will wish to support in whatever way they can and I await having those talks."