Lewis Moody will present the match ball for the England versus Australia game at Twickenham this Saturday. This follows the announcement by the 47-year-old earlier this month that he has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
The revelation deeply impacted the rugby community, with players and fans showing immense support for the former England flanker, a key figure in England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup victory. Expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to deliver the match ball, Moody reflected on his time representing England, highlighting the camaraderie and dedication of his teammates.
With a distinguished career at Leicester Tigers and Bath Rugby, Moody amassed impressive achievements, including multiple Six Nations titles, a Grand Slam, and a World Cup win. Despite his recent MND diagnosis, Moody remains resilient and appreciative of the outpouring of support from the rugby fraternity.
Motor Neurone Disease is a progressive neurological condition affecting muscle control, for which there is currently no cure. Moody, addressing a crowd at Welford Road, expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support he has received and hinted at future charity endeavors.
Reflecting on his rugby journey, Moody acknowledged the special place both Leicester and Bath hold in his heart, emphasizing the unity and support within the rugby community during challenging times.