Lewis Moody 'at peace' with MND diagnosis, hopes sons follow sporting careers

Lewis Moody, a 2003 Rugby World Cup winner, has shared his perspective on his motor neurone disease (MND) diagnosis, stating he is 'at peace' with his condition. Moody, who earned 71 caps for England and achieved significant success with Leicester Tigers, revealed last year that he had been diagnosed with MND, a progressive nervous system disease for which there is currently no cure.

Despite his diagnosis, Moody expressed a strong desire for his two sons to follow him into professional sports. His eldest son, Dylan, 18, is a goalkeeper for Southampton and has been selected for England's Under-19 squad. Moody's younger son, Ethan, 16, is a promising rugby player currently in Bath's academy setup.

"I'd absolutely love it," Moody said when asked about the possibility of Dylan representing England at a senior level in football. "He's got his professional contract and he's doing really well with England. He's got a lot of work to do until he gets to that stage, but he's got a great attitude and if he sticks at it and he really wants it, I'm sure he'll get where he wants."

Moody discussed his supportive role as a father, recounting a conversation where his initial doubt about Dylan's ambitions was met with an apology for potentially diminishing his son's excitement. "It's not my place to diminish his excitement. If that's his goal, I'm going to be there to support if he needs advice. I love the fact the kids are passionate about something they enjoy. Ethan is in the throes of the academy set-up with Bath. I’m excited."

A new documentary detailing Moody's journey with MND features emotional conversations with his sons about his terminal diagnosis and the future. The film also highlights the ongoing need for fundraising and awareness in the fight for a cure for MND.

Moody has participated in a drug trial funded by the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, established by the late Scottish rugby player Doddie Weir, who also succumbed to MND in 2022. "I’m at peace with my diagnosis," Moody stated. "I was at peace almost immediately. There’s nothing I can do to change my circumstances, other than to use my energy to raise awareness so that the people who are fighting this disease have the resources they need so we can get to the outcome we all want. It isn’t far off."

"Lewis Moody vs MND" is a co-production between 3 Rock Productions and TNT Sports and premiered on September 25th.