Ex- English Rugby Union Leader Reveals MND Medical Condition

Previous England skipper Lewis Moody has announced he has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease and stated he cannot yet confront the full consequences of the muscle-wasting 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 Rugby World Cup-winning side and lifted numerous English and European titles with Leicester, spoke to BBC Breakfast 14 days after finding out he has the illness.

"There's an element of facing the future and being reluctant to fully comprehend that at the moment," he stated.

"It's not that I fail to comprehend where it's progressing. We comprehend that. But there is definitely a reluctance to confront the future for now."

Moody, conversing together with his wife Annie, states rather he feels "peaceful" as he concentrates on his immediate welfare, his family and getting ready for when the illness deteriorates.

"Possibly that's shock or perhaps I handle situations uniquely, and once I have the information, it's more manageable," he continued.

Early Indications

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

After physical therapy didn't help the problem, a series of scans indicated nerves in his brain and spinal cord had been damaged by MND.

"You're presented with this diagnosis of MND and we're understandably very emotional about it, but it's rather peculiar because I feel like I'm perfectly healthy," he remarked.

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

"My indications are very minor. I have a bit of muscle deterioration in the hand and the shoulder region.

"I'm still capable of performing all activities. And hopefully that will persist for as long as is possible."

Disease Advancement

MND can advance rapidly.

As per the non-profit MND Association, the disease takes the lives of a third of people within a year and above half within two years of identification, as eating and breathing become more difficult.

Therapy can only retard decline.

"It's never me that I feel sad for," stated an affected Moody.

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

Household Effect

Conversing from the residence with his wife and their family dog by his side, Moody was overwhelmed by sentiment when he mentioned breaking the news to his sons - 17-year Dylan and adolescent Ethan - the devastating news, stating: "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 positioned ourselves on the sofa in weeping, Ethan and Dylan both embraced in each other, then the dog bounded over and started licking the tears off our faces, which was quite funny."

Moody explained the priority was staying in the moment.

"We have no solution and that is why you have to be extremely strongly directed on just welcoming and enjoying all aspects now," he said.

"As my wife mentioned, we've been very lucky that the primary decision I made when I retired from playing was to allocate as much duration with the kids as possible. We can't reclaim those periods back."

Sportsman Connection

Top-level sportspeople are unevenly impacted by MND, with research proposing the rate of the illness is up to six times greater than in the wider community.

It is believed that by restricting the air obtainable and producing damage to motor neurone cells, consistent, intense exercise can initiate the condition in those already vulnerable.

Athletic Professional Life

Moody, who gained 71 England selections and traveled with the British and Irish Lions in New Zealand in 2005, was nicknamed 'Mad Dog' during his sports career, in acknowledgment of his brave, relentless style to the game.

He participated through a fracture of his leg for a duration with Leicester and once caused a training-ground confrontation with team-mate and friend Martin Johnson when, irritated, he discarded a tackle pad and began engaging in physical contacts.

After coming on as a replacement in the Rugby World Cup decisive match win over Australia in 2003, he secured a ball at the end of the line-out in the decisive moment of play, setting a platform for scrum-half Matt Dawson to snipe and Jonny Wilkinson to execute the game-deciding drop-goal.

Support Network

Moody has already told Johnson, who led England to that victory, and a couple of other former team-mates about his condition, but the rest will be learning his news with the broader public.

"There shall be a moment when we'll need to rely on their assistance but, at the moment, just having that type of love and acceptance that people are there is all that matters," he stated.

"Rugby is such a great family.

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

"Even if it concluded now, I've appreciated all of it and accepted all of it and got to do it with unbelievable people.

"Being able to consider your passion your profession, it's one of the greatest blessings.

"To have done it for so long a duration with the squads that I did it with was a pleasure. And I understand they will desire to help in every way they can and I look forward to having those conversations."