Previous England Rugby Union Leader Reveals Motor Neurone Disease Medical Condition

Former England leader Lewis Moody has disclosed he has been found to have motor neurone disease and admitted he cannot yet deal with the full consequences of the muscle-degenerating condition that ended 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, gave an interview to BBC Breakfast two weeks after learning he has the condition.

"There's something about looking the future in the face and being reluctant to completely absorb that at the moment," he said.

"This doesn't mean I am unaware of where it's heading. We grasp that. But there is absolutely a reluctance to confront the future for now."

Moody, talking together with his wife Annie, explains rather he feels "peaceful" as he focuses on his immediate welfare, his family and planning ahead for when the condition worsens.

"Maybe that's shock or possibly I handle situations differently, and once I have the details, it's simpler," he added.

Initial Signs

Moody learned he had MND after observing some weakness in his shoulder area while exercising in the gym.

After rehabilitation was ineffective for the issue, a series of scans showed nerve cells in his neurological system had been affected by MND.

"You're given this medical finding of MND and we're understandably quite moved about it, but it's so strange because I think nothing's wrong," he remarked.

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

"My symptoms are rather minimal. I have a bit of muscle deterioration in the hand area and the upper arm.

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

Illness Advancement

MND can develop swiftly.

Based on the organization MND Association, the disease kills a 33% of people within a 365 days and more than half within 730 days of diagnosis, as swallowing and respiration become harder.

Medical care can only delay deterioration.

"It's not me that I experience sorrow for," stated an moved Moody.

"It's the sadness around having to inform my mum - as an single child - and the implications that has for her."

Family Consequences

Speaking from the household with his wife and their family dog by his side, Moody was overcome with feeling when he discussed telling his sons - teenage Dylan and adolescent Ethan - the traumatic news, commenting: "It was the hardest thing I've ever had to do."

"They're two wonderful boys and that was rather devastating," Moody remarked.

"We positioned ourselves on the couch in crying, Ethan and Dylan both hugging in each other, then the dog leapt across and commenced licking the moisture off our faces, which was quite funny."

Moody said the emphasis was remaining in the present.

"There is no treatment and that is why you have to be so intensely directed on just embracing and enjoying everything now," he stated.

"As my wife mentioned, we've been truly blessed that the sole choice I made when I concluded playing was to allocate as much duration with the kids as possible. We don't get those years back."

Athlete Connection

Top-level athletes are disproportionately affected by MND, with studies proposing the prevalence of the condition is up to sixfold greater than in the wider community.

It is considered that by reducing the O2 obtainable and producing damage to neural pathways, frequent, vigorous training can activate the condition in those already genetically susceptible.

Sports Playing Days

Moody, who won 71 England selections and toured with the British and Irish Lions in New Zealand in 2005, was dubbed 'Mad Dog' during his sports career, in honour of his courageous, unwavering approach to the game.

He participated through a fracture of his leg for a time with Leicester and once caused a training-ground altercation with fellow player and friend Martin Johnson when, annoyed, he abandoned a training equipment and commenced engaging in physical contacts.

After appearing as a replacement in the Rugby World Cup final win over Australia in 2003, he won a ball at the rear of the set piece in the critical moment of play, creating a base for playmaker Matt Dawson to advance and Jonny Wilkinson to execute the game-deciding drop-goal.

Support Network

Moody has earlier notified Johnson, who skippered England to that victory, and a few other previous colleagues about his medical situation, but the remaining individuals will be learning his news with the remainder of public.

"There will be a time when we'll need to rely on their assistance but, at the minute, just having that type of love and recognition that people are there is what's important," he commented.

"The sport is such a excellent group.

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

"Even when it ended now, I've appreciated all of it and welcomed all of it and got to do it with remarkable people.

"When you have the opportunity to label your love your profession, it's one of the greatest privileges.

"Achieving this for so extended a period with the teams that I did it with was a joy. And I am aware they will desire to support in any way they can and I anticipate having those discussions."