Former England rugby captain Lewis Moody: diagnosed with an incurable disease.

According to The Sun: Lewis Moody was a key player for the legendary English team that won the Rugby World Cup in 2003.

In October 2025, he announced his diagnosis of motor neuron disease (MND). In this message, we will focus on his supportive wife, Annie.

Who is Lewis Moody?

Lewis Moody was born on June 12, 1978, in Ascot, Berkshire. During his career, he became one of the top players in English rugby.

Starting his career as a flanker for Leicester Tigers, he later played for Bath Rugby. Lewis represented his national team 71 times, of which 12 matches he played as captain.

His playing style was characterized by courage and activity, earning him the nickname 'Mad Dog Moody'. Over 16 years of his career, he won numerous awards, including two Six Nations medals, seven Premiership titles, and two Heineken Cup titles with Leicester.

As an important part of the England team, Lewis played a key role in the victory at the 2003 Rugby World Cup. He was on the field in all seven matches, and in the final against Australia, he came off the bench to make a significant contribution to the winning drop-kick by Jonny Wilkinson.

In 2005, he also represented the British and Irish Lions. In 2010, Lewis captained the England team during the Six Nations and the 2011 Rugby World Cup, and in 2012 he announced his retirement due to a chronic shoulder injury.

After retirement, he remained involved in rugby as a commentator. Together with his wife Annie, he founded the Lewis Moody Foundation in 2014, aimed at supporting brain cancer research.

I can still do everything. And I hope to do so for as long as possible.

Lewis MoodyBBC

Who is Annie Moody?

Annie Moody, Lewis' wife, is a professional interior designer. The couple married in June 2006 and has since raised two sons — Dylan and Ethan.

Annie has always supported Lewis by attending his matches and public events. She is actively involved in charitable initiatives, including the Lewis Moody Foundation, established after the death of a young rugby player from brain cancer.

The foundation aims to support research and assistance to families facing similar challenges. After launching a new counseling service for couples in 2020, she said, 'We are very proud and happy to help fund a new counseling service for couples through the brain cancer foundation.'

Annie also urged those in need of this service to reach out for support: 'We are here to support you. And a big thank you to everyone who raised amazing funds for the foundation last year, you helped make this happen!'

What disease was diagnosed in Lewis Moody?

Lewis cried as he confirmed his diagnosis of motor neuron disease in October 2025. He learned of the diagnosis after feeling weakness in his arm during training.

Tests showed that the nerves in his brain and spinal cord were damaged due to MND, as treatment efforts had yielded no results. He noted: 'You receive an MND diagnosis... but I feel completely healthy. My symptoms are very slight. I have mild muscle atrophy in my arm and shoulder. I can still do anything. And I hope to do so for as long as possible.'

Among rugby players who have died from this disease in recent years were Rob Burrow and Doddie Weir. Symptoms of MND typically include joint stiffness and muscle weakness.

Thus, Lewis Moody's situation not only confirms his battle with the illness but also demonstrates the importance of having the support of loved ones in difficult times. At the same time, their active participation in charitable initiatives underscores the need to fight incurable diseases, which, we hope, will draw attention to this issue and help others facing similar challenges.