In a twist that sounds more like a plot from a gritty sports drama, former England rugby hero Lewis Moody has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND). Known for his tenacious play on the field, Moody, who once led England and shone on the world stage, is facing a new and formidable opponent.
Moody, a stalwart of the rugby world, racked up an impressive 71 Test caps for England and was at the helm as captain in 12 of those matches. He wasn't just a part of the team; he was instrumental in England's 2003 World Cup victory. His club career was equally storied, with 223 appearances for Leicester Tigers, where he was a pivotal figure in securing seven English Premiership titles and two European Cups between 1996 and 2010.
Andrea Pinchen, Leicester Tigers' chief executive, couldn't help but praise the 46-year-old, stating,
"The figures, trophies, and awards tell you what an incredible player Lewis was, but that is only half the story."
She highlighted not just his athletic prowess but his character: "As an individual, his commitment to his club along with his warmth and passion shone through, which endeared him to teammates, staff, and supporters alike." Moody's off-field contributions are notable too, particularly through the Lewis Moody Foundation, which aids research into brain tumours and supports affected families.
The rugby community has rallied around Moody, with former teammates Leon Lloyd and Geordan Murphy spearheading a GoFundMe campaign to support him and his family during this challenging time. This gesture underscores the fraternity and deep bonds formed on and off the rugby pitch.
Moody's diagnosis adds his name to a growing list of elite players affected by MND, a group that includes rugby legends like Joost van der Westhuizen and Doddie Weir. It's a sobering reminder of the vulnerability that lies beneath the surface of even the toughest athletes. As the rugby world stands by one of its greats, Moody's legacy as both a fierce competitor and a compassionate individual remains undeniable.
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In a twist that sounds more like a plot from a gritty sports drama, former England rugby hero Lewis Moody has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND). Known for his tenacious play on the field, Moody, who once led England and shone on the world stage, is facing a new and formidable opponent.
Moody, a stalwart of the rugby world, racked up an impressive 71 Test caps for England and was at the helm as captain in 12 of those matches. He wasn't just a part of the team; he was instrumental in England's 2003 World Cup victory. His club career was equally storied, with 223 appearances for Leicester Tigers, where he was a pivotal figure in securing seven English Premiership titles and two European Cups between 1996 and 2010.
Andrea Pinchen, Leicester Tigers' chief executive, couldn't help but praise the 46-year-old, stating,
"The figures, trophies, and awards tell you what an incredible player Lewis was, but that is only half the story."
She highlighted not just his athletic prowess but his character: "As an individual, his commitment to his club along with his warmth and passion shone through, which endeared him to teammates, staff, and supporters alike." Moody's off-field contributions are notable too, particularly through the Lewis Moody Foundation, which aids research into brain tumours and supports affected families.The rugby community has rallied around Moody, with former teammates Leon Lloyd and Geordan Murphy spearheading a GoFundMe campaign to support him and his family during this challenging time. This gesture underscores the fraternity and deep bonds formed on and off the rugby pitch.
Moody's diagnosis adds his name to a growing list of elite players affected by MND, a group that includes rugby legends like Joost van der Westhuizen and Doddie Weir. It's a sobering reminder of the vulnerability that lies beneath the surface of even the toughest athletes. As the rugby world stands by one of its greats, Moody's legacy as both a fierce competitor and a compassionate individual remains undeniable.