Former England flank Lewis Moody has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease.
Moody earned 71 Test caps for England, captaining the side 12 times and helping them win the 2003 World Cup. He also toured New Zealand with the British & Irish Lions in 2005 and was awarded an MBE for services to rugby the following year.
He made 223 appearances for Leicester between 1996 and 2010, playing a key role during the club’s golden era, which included seven English Premiership titles and two European Cups.
Leicester Tigers chief executive Andrea Pinchen paid tribute to the 46-year-old, describing him as both a fierce competitor and an outstanding person.
“The figures, trophies and awards tell you what an incredible player Lewis was, but that is only half the story,” said Pinchen.
“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. Always looking to help others, Lewis together with Annie have worked tirelessly through the Lewis Moody Foundation, supporting research into brain tumours and helping affected families.”
The Tigers confirmed that former teammates Leon Lloyd and Geordan Murphy have launched a GoFundMe page to support Moody and his family, as well as their chosen charities.
A number of high-profile rugby players have been diagnosed with MND in recent years, including Joost van der Westhuizen and Doddie Weir.
Photo: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
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