Ex- England Rugby Union Skipper Reveals MND Diagnosis

Former English skipper Lewis Moody has disclosed he has been identified with motor neurone disease and acknowledged he cannot yet confront the full ramifications of the muscle-degenerating condition that took the lives of other rugby players Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow.

The 47-year-old athlete, who was involved in the World Cup champion 2003 side and won numerous English and European titles with Leicester, spoke to BBC Breakfast two weeks after discovering he has the disease.

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

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

Moody, conversing together with his wife Annie, says instead he feels "at ease" as he concentrates on his immediate health, his family and planning ahead for when the condition worsens.

"Maybe that's trauma or perhaps I handle situations in another way, and when I have the information, it's easier," he stated further.

First Signs

Moody discovered he had MND after observing some reduced power in his shoulder while exercising in the gym.

After rehabilitation was ineffective for the condition, a series of scans revealed nerves in his central nervous system had been damaged by MND.

"You're presented with this medical finding of MND and we're understandably quite emotional about it, but it's so strange because I feel like nothing's wrong," he added.

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

"The signs I have are rather minimal. I have some muscle loss in the fingers and the upper arm.

"I continue to be able to accomplishing anything and everything. And optimistically that will continue for as long as is attainable."

Disease Progression

MND can progress rapidly.

According to the non-profit MND Association, the illness takes the lives of a one-third of people within a year and more than half within 730 days of identification, as ingestion and breathing become harder.

Medical care can only delay worsening.

"It's never me that I am upset for," commented an affected Moody.

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

Family Effect

Talking from the family home with his wife and their canine companion by his side, Moody was consumed with feeling when he discussed informing his sons - teenage Dylan and adolescent Ethan - the traumatic news, commenting: "It was the toughest thing I've ever had to do."

"They are two brilliant boys and that was pretty devastating," Moody stated.

"We were seated on the settee in weeping, Ethan and Dylan both wrapped up in each other, then the dog jumped over and began cleaning the tears off our faces, which was somewhat silly."

Moody stated the emphasis was staying in the present.

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

"As my wife mentioned, we've been very lucky that the primary determination I made when I retired from playing was to allocate as much time with the kids as possible. We won't recover those years back."

Sportsman Connection

Professional competitors are unevenly impacted by MND, with research proposing the incidence of the disease is up to 600% elevated than in the general population.

It is considered that by limiting the O2 available and producing damage to neural pathways, frequent, strenuous exercise can activate the disease in those inherently vulnerable.

Athletic Playing Days

Moody, who won 71 England appearances and toured with the British and Irish Lions in New Zealand in 2005, was nicknamed 'Mad Dog' during his playing career, in acknowledgment of his courageous, unwavering style to the game.

He participated through a fracture of his leg for a time with Leicester and once sparked a workout confrontation with fellow player and friend Martin Johnson when, frustrated, he discarded a training equipment and commenced engaging in tackles.

After coming on as a replacement in the Rugby World Cup final win over Australia in 2003, he secured a ball at the rear of the line-out in the critical phase of play, setting a foundation for half-back Matt Dawson to snipe and Jonny Wilkinson to kick the game-deciding field goal.

Support Network

Moody has earlier informed Johnson, who led England to that title, and a handful of other former team-mates about his diagnosis, but the rest will be discovering his news with the rest of public.

"We'll have a period when we'll need to lean on their backing but, at the moment, just having that sort of love and acceptance that people are there is the crucial thing," he said.

"This game is such a excellent group.

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

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

"When you have the opportunity to consider your love your vocation, it's one of the most important honors.

"Having accomplished it for so extended a period with the squads that I did it with was a joy. And I understand they will desire to help in any way they can and I look forward to having those conversations."