Kevin Sinfield makes gesture to Lewis Moody as team-mates step in
Rugby NewsMonday, 06 October 2025 at 18:28
, and he continues to be a familiar face in the media.
The rugby community has come together in a wave of heartfelt support after former England captain Lewis Moody revealed his diagnosis with motor neurone disease (MND).
Moody, 47, shared the news in a deeply personal interview on BBC Breakfast, just two weeks after learning of his condition.
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The ex-flanker, who played a vital role in England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup triumph and was a central figure in Leicester Tigers’ golden era, admitted he is not yet ready to face the full implications of the degenerative disease that also claimed the lives of fellow rugby legends Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow.
Instead, speaking alongside his wife Annie, Moody said he currently feels "at ease" as he focuses on his immediate health, spending time with his family, and making preparations for the future.
Moody first suspected something was wrong when he noticed weakness in his shoulder during a gym session. After physiotherapy failed to bring improvement, a series of scans revealed damage to nerves in his brain and spinal cord—damage caused by MND.
Since the announcement, support has poured in from across the sport.
A link to donate to the Lewis Moody Fundraising Appeal can be found here.
Kevin Sinfield make gesture:
Sinfield — now part of the England rugby union coaching team — spoke to the PA news agency, saying: “I’m obviously very saddened by the news. I’d like to wish Lewis, and all his family and friends, the very best.
“I’ll support in any way I can. We have to keep fighting MND together.”
He was awarded a CBE last year for his work supporting the MND community.
Sinfield’s next fundraising mission, 7 in 7: Together, is set for early December — a gruelling effort that will see him run seven ultra-marathons in seven days across seven cities or regions.
Greenwood steps in
"He is the most wonderful human that we love to his very core," Greenwood told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"It is just tragic news, because he is one of the great guys. And I know there is no order to this stuff - how you leave this planet - but you root for the good guys.
"There is not a nasty bone in his body, he is the most optimistic human you can hope to find... and then he had an ability on the pitch to just turn a switch and be the most ferocious competitor.
"He will fight this with every ounce of his strength."
Leicester Tigers pay tribute to one of their greats
Moody's former club, Leicester Tigers, where he made 223 appearances and won multiple titles, led tributes to the man who became synonymous with relentless energy and fearless play.
“Everyone at Leicester Tigers is deeply saddened to learn that one of our greatest players, Lewis Moody, has announced that he has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Our heartfelt support goes out to Lewis, his wife Annie and their family.”
Club Chief Executive Andrea Pinchen reflected on Moody's legacy beyond the silverware:
“The figures, trophies and awards tell you what an incredible player Lewis was, but that is only half the story. 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.”
England Rugby, for whom Moody earned 71 caps, also voiced their support:
“Everyone at England Rugby is saddened to learn that former captain Lewis Moody has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.
All of our thoughts are with Lewis, his family and friends as they come to terms with this diagnosis. We will be offering both practical and emotional support, and know the entire rugby community will stand with them at this incredibly difficult time.”
RFU CEO Bill Sweeney also put out a message via the England Rugby channels.
The rugby world shows their support
Across social media, supporters, former players, and fans alike have expressed admiration and solidarity for Moody, whose bravery in the face of the disease has already inspired many.
On Instagram, former Wales and British and Irish Lions scrum-half Rhys Webb said of the news: "Absolute warrior and legend of the game. With you all the way."
Rugby fan @halcruttenden posted on X:“One of the nicest men in rugby is facing one of the toughest struggles. He has done amazing charity work in the battle against brain tumours and now he will be looking to raise awareness about his own battle against MND. However he does this, please support him.”
The MND Association also acknowledged Moody’s diagnosis, while underlining the wider impact of the disease: “We’re sorry to hear that former @EnglandRugby and @LeicesterTigers rugby player, Lewis Moody, has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease. He’s one of six people who will receive this news today – the @mndassoc is here to support Lewis, his family and all affected by #MND.”
X user @RuckedOver summed up what many in the community are feeling: “My favourite player to watch, growing up. I sat in tears watching his interview, yet still in awe at the strength & bravery of Lewis & his wife Annie. He threw himself into everything in his playing career & he’ll inspire others by doing the same here. We’re with you, Mad Dog.”
A New Chapter of Courage
Known as "Mad Dog" for his fearless style on the pitch, Lewis Moody's fight now takes a different form. The same qualities that made him a fan favourite—resilience, grit, and heart—will serve him as he faces this deeply personal battle.
In a sport built on camaraderie and courage, Moody can be sure that he is not alone. From teammates and rivals to fans and charities, the entire rugby world is firmly in his corner.
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Lewis Moody - Annie his rock
Moody married Annie (an interior designer) in June 2006. The couple live in Bradford-on-Avon. They have two children.
In May 2014, Lewis and his wife Annie set up The Lewis Moody Foundation, inspired by Joss Rowley-Stark, to fund groundbreaking research to improve the diagnosis and treatment of brain tumours and give families a day out of the ordinary to lift spirits and create special memories.
Jason Robinson – The Rugby Flyer Who Found Love in Sian Griffin
Jason Robinson’s first marriage to Amanda ended in divorce, and together they have six children, including Cameron, Jemimah, Joseph, and Lewis. In June 2017, Robinson married Sian Griffin, with whom he has a son, Noah, who is making waves as a footballer with Manchester City.
Robinson’s career post-rugby has been diverse, from coaching rugby league to a brief stint as Sale Sharks' head coach. Meanwhile, his sons, Lewis Tierney and Patrick Robinson, have thrived in rugby league and professional cycling.
Will Greenwood – The Centre Who’s Been a Rock for His Family
Will Greenwood’s marriage to Caroline has seen highs and lows, including the heartbreaking loss of their son Freddie in 2002, who passed away just 45 minutes after birth. As patrons of Child Bereavement UK, they have turned their grief into a mission to support others.
The former centre has worked extensively in media, offering insightful commentary during the 2007 World Cup and becoming a leading pundit for Sky Sports. He also writes a column for the Daily Telegraph.
Mike Tindall – From Rugby Glory to Royal Romance
Mike Tindall’s romance with Zara Phillips, the daughter of Princess Anne and granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, became public in 2003, but it was in 2010 that the couple got engaged. They now have two daughters, Mia and Lena.
The couple’s relationship has been closely followed by the media, especially after their chance meeting during the 2003 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Ben Cohen – The Winger Who Found New Love and a New Mission
Ben Cohen’s first marriage to Abby Blayney ended in 2016 after years of estrangement, with the couple sharing twin daughters, Harriette and Isabelle. Shortly after the divorce, Cohen and his Strictly Come Dancing partner Kristina Rihanoff revealed they were expecting a child together, and their daughter Milena was born in January 2016.
Cohen is also a passionate anti-bullying advocate, having founded the Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation, which aims to raise awareness about the psychological impact of bullying, including homophobia.
Jonny Wilkinson – The Golden Boot and Shelley’s Quiet Romance
Jonny Wilkinson, the man who kicked England to victory in 2003, married Shelley Jenkins in 2013 after eight years of dating. The private ceremony in the French resort town of Bandol was attended by just two guests, including Wilkinson’s mother.
The couple welcomed their son, James, in 2019 while living in France. Wilkinson has since embraced a media career, joining ITV for coverage of the 2024 Six Nations.
Matt Dawson – From A Question of Sport to Instagram Fitness Fame
Matt Dawson’s personal life has seen some ups and downs. After his breakup with Carolin Hauskeller, with whom he has two sons, Dawson found new love with personal trainer and content creator Elizabeth Kerry.
With over 11,000 Instagram followers, Kerry shares plenty of fitness content, and Dawson has been happily dating her. His career post-rugby has included stints as a television presenter, most notably on A Question of Sport
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