Former England skipper Lewis Moody has disclosed he has been found to have motor neurone disease and stated he cannot yet face the full implications of the muscle-deteriorating condition that claimed the lives of other rugby players Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow.
The 47-year-old athlete, who was part of the 2003 Rugby World Cup-winning side and lifted multiple English and European titles with Leicester, gave an interview to BBC Breakfast two weeks after finding out he has the condition.
"There's an element of looking the future in the face and hesitating to completely absorb that at the minute," he commented.
"This doesn't mean I am unaware of where it's progressing. We comprehend that. But there is certainly a reluctance to face what's ahead for now."
Moody, speaking with his wife Annie, explains conversely he feels "calm" as he focuses on his immediate welfare, his family and getting ready for when the condition deteriorates.
"Maybe that's surprise or maybe I handle situations differently, and after I have the details, it's easier," he added.
Initial Symptoms
Moody found out he had MND after observing some reduced power in his shoulder area while working out in the gym.
After rehabilitation failed to improve the condition, a set of scans indicated nerves in his central nervous system had been compromised by MND.
"You receive this condition identification of MND and we're rightly quite emotional about it, but it's quite odd because I think I'm perfectly healthy," he continued.
"I don't experience unwell. I don't experience unwell
"The signs I have are rather minimal. I have a bit of muscle deterioration in the hand area and the shoulder.
"I'm still competent to doing all activities. And optimistically that will carry on for as long as is feasible."
Disease Progression
MND can progress quickly.
As per the non-profit MND Association, the condition claims a third of people within a year and over half within two years of identification, as ingestion and respiration become harder.
Treatment can only retard decline.
"It isn't ever me that I am upset for," stated an moved Moody.
"There's grief around having to break the news to my mum - as an only child - and the consequences that has for her."
Family Consequences
Speaking from the residence with his wife and their pet dog by his side, Moody was overcome with feeling when he mentioned informing his sons - 17-year Dylan and 15-year Ethan - the traumatic news, commenting: "That represented the most difficult thing I've ever had to do."
"These are two wonderful boys and that was rather devastating," Moody stated.
"We sat on the couch in tears, Ethan and Dylan both wrapped up in each other, then the dog jumped over and commenced licking the drops off our faces, which was rather amusing."
Moody explained the emphasis was remaining in the present.
"There exists no treatment and that is why you have to be extremely militantly directed on just welcoming and enjoying all aspects now," he said.
"According to Annie, we've been very fortunate that the only real decision I made when I concluded playing was to spend as much time with the kids as feasible. We can't reclaim those years back."
Player Association
Elite sportspeople are excessively impacted by MND, with research indicating the rate of the illness is up to six times higher than in the broader public.
It is believed that by limiting the O2 available and causing harm to neural pathways, consistent, intense physical activity can trigger the condition in those inherently predisposed.
Rugby Career
Moody, who earned 71 England appearances and competed with the British and Irish Lions in New Zealand in 2005, was nicknamed 'Mad Dog' during his sports career, in honour of his courageous, unwavering approach to the game.
He competed through a fracture of his leg for a time with Leicester and once sparked a practice altercation with colleague and friend Martin Johnson when, irritated, he discarded a training equipment and started participating in tackles.
After entering as a replacement in the Rugby World Cup final win over Australia in 2003, he secured a ball at the rear of the set piece in the decisive moment of play, establishing a base for half-back Matt Dawson to attack and Jonny Wilkinson to kick the match-winning drop kick.
Assistance Network
Moody has already told Johnson, who led England to that title, and a handful of other former colleagues about his condition, but the remaining individuals will be learning his news with the remainder of public.
"There shall be a time when we'll need to lean on their assistance but, at the moment, just having that sort of affection and acknowledgment that people are available is the crucial thing," he commented.
"This game is such a wonderful community.
"I mentioned to the kids the other day, I've had an incredible life.
"Even when it concluded now, I've appreciated all of it and accepted all of it and got to do it with exceptional people.
"When you have the opportunity to consider your enthusiasm your vocation, it's one of the most important honors.
"Achieving this for so long a time with the teams that I did it with was a delight. And I am aware they will want to assist in every way they can and I await having those discussions."
