Greenwood Leads Support for Former Team-Mate Lewis Moody
Former England rugby captain Lewis Moody has received an outpouring of support after revealing he has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND). Moody, 47, spoke openly on BBC Breakfast about his struggles to come to terms with the news, describing the last two weeks since his diagnosis as overwhelming.
MND is a progressive, muscle-wasting condition that has claimed the lives of several sporting legends in recent years, including rugby league star Rob Burrow and Scotland great Doddie Weir.
Moody’s former England team-mate and fellow Rugby World Cup winner Will Greenwood praised him as “the most wonderful human” and vowed he would face the challenge with “every ounce of his strength.” Greenwood added:
“He is one of the great guys. There is not a nasty bone in his body. He’s the most optimistic person you could ever meet, yet on the pitch he could switch into one of the fiercest competitors.”
Support from Across Rugby
Messages of encouragement have poured in from across the rugby world. Former Gloucester and Leicester player Ed Slater, who was diagnosed with MND in 2022, said he was “absolutely devastated” by Moody’s news but promised to stand by him.
The Rugby Football Union’s chief executive Bill Sweeney also paid tribute, calling Moody “one of the toughest and most fearless players ever to don a back row shirt,” while stressing the RFU would support Moody and his family in every way possible.
Moody, who won 71 England caps and represented the British and Irish Lions, is remembered not only for his achievements on the field but also for his leadership and humility. Former team-mates like Chris Ashton, Danny Care, and Ugo Monye all described him as a leader, a protector, and a caring figure who always looked after those around him.
At his former club Leicester Tigers, where he made 223 appearances and won seven Premiership titles, chief executive Andrea Pinchen remembered him as someone who led by example both on and off the pitch:
“One minute he’d be lifting a World Cup trophy, the next he’d be in the ticket office helping staff sell tickets. That was the kind of person Lewis was.”
Wider Sporting Community Responds
Outside of rugby, tributes have also come in. Leicester City Football Club described him as “a sporting great of our city.” Meanwhile, Kevin Sinfield, who has raised millions for MND research in honor of Rob Burrow, promised to continue the fight against the disease and offer his support to Moody’s family.
What Is Motor Neurone Disease?
MND affects around 5,000 people in the UK at any given time. It damages the nerve cells that control movement, leading to muscle weakness, speech difficulties, and eventually loss of mobility and breathing. While life expectancy after diagnosis is often short, there are variations, and ongoing research aims to improve survival rates.
Studies suggest rugby players may face a higher risk of developing neurological conditions, though research is still ongoing. The findings have sparked renewed debate around head injuries and player safety in contact sports.
Conclusion
Lewis Moody’s diagnosis is another painful reminder of the impact MND has on the sporting world. Yet the overwhelming response—from former team-mates, rugby leaders, and the wider sporting community—shows just how deeply he is respected. Known for his toughness on the pitch and kindness off it, Moody now faces one of the greatest battles of his life. Surrounded by love, admiration, and unwavering support, he will not fight it alone.