Former England rugby captain Lewis Moody diagnosed with motor neurone disease

Lewis Moody has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (Lynne Cameron/PA)

Former England captain and 2003 World Cup winner Lewis Moody has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

The 47-year-old told the BBC of his diagnosis on Monday, two weeks after being given the news.

“There’s something about looking the future in the face and not wanting to really process that at the minute,” he said.

“It’s not that I don’t understand where it’s going. We understand that. But there is absolutely a reluctance to look the future in the face for now.”

Fellow rugby players Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow have died from the illness in recent years, with rugby – and in particular England skills coach Kevin Sinfield – embracing a high-profile fundraising campaign to tackle it.

“You’re given this diagnosis of MND and we’re rightly quite emotional about it, but it’s so strange because I feel like nothing’s wrong,” Moody added.

“I don’t feel ill. I don’t feel unwell.

“My symptoms are very minor. I have a bit of muscle wasting in the hand and the shoulder.

“I’m still capable of doing anything and everything. And hopefully that will continue for as long as is possible.”

Moody won 71 caps for England and also won five for the British and Irish Lions, while he was a seven-time title winner with Leicester.

He played in all seven matches as England won the 2003 World Cup in Australia and, in the final against the hosts, won the line-out which led to Jonny Wilkinson’s winning drop goal.

“We are all deeply saddened and distressed to learn that Lewis Moody has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease,” said Bill Sweeney, CEO of the Rugby Football Union.

“Lewis represented England, the British and Irish Lions and his clubs Leicester Tigers and Bath Rugby with both brilliance and distinction – one of the toughest and most fearless players ever to don a backrow shirt in the game, earning the respect and admiration of team-mates, opponents, and supporters alike all over the world.

“His contribution to rugby, both on and off the field, reflects the very best of our sport’s values.

“Our thoughts are with Lewis and his family and friends at this very difficult time as they come to terms with this diagnosis and I know the entire rugby community stands with them and will support them.”

Moody ended his club career with Bath but will forever be more commonly associated with Leicester.

Moody is a Leicester great (David Davies/PA)

He made 223 appearances for the Tigers and won two European Cups alongside his domestic honours.

“The figures, trophies and awards tell you what an incredible player Lewis was, but that is only half the story,” said Tigers chief executive Andrea Pinchen.

“As an individual, his commitment to his club along with his warmth and passion shone through, which endeared him to team-mates, staff and supporters alike.”

Former team-mates Geordan Murphy and Leon Lloyd on Monday launched an online fundraiser to help Moody and his family, passing £1,000 inside the first hour.