Rugby Legend Lewis Moody Faces New Battle with MND

Former England rugby captain Lewis Moody has disclosed a significant personal health challenge as he announced his diagnosis of motor neurone disease (MND). Moody, who captained England and was a pivotal player in their 2003 World Cup-winning team, shared his situation with the public on Monday.

Known for his tenacity and fervor on the field, Moody was a fan favorite and a respected teammate, earning 71 caps and securing seven Premiership titles over a 14-year career with Leicester. Despite the somber diagnosis, Moody, 47, revealed to the BBC that he remains mostly asymptomatic, describing the experience as surreal.

Motor neurone disease, a progressive and terminal illness affecting muscle function, has previously claimed the lives of rugby personalities like Scotland's Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow. The Rugby Football Union expressed their heartfelt support, with CEO Bill Sweeney acknowledging Moody's vast contribution to rugby and affirming the community's solidarity with him during this difficult period.

(With inputs from agencies.)