Lewis Moody to return to Twickenham following motor neurone disease diagnosis
Lewis Moody will make an emotional return to Twickenham this weekend as he delivers the match ball for England’s autumn international against Australia — his first public appearance at the national stadium since revealing his diagnosis with motor neurone disease, reports BritPanorama.
The former England captain and World Cup winner, now 47, announced earlier this month that he is living with MND, the incurable neurological condition that progressively weakens the muscles and affects movement.
His revelation sent shockwaves through the rugby world, prompting an outpouring of support from players, fans, and former teammates across both hemispheres.
Moody, a cornerstone of England’s 2003 World Cup triumph, expressed his gratitude for the response he has received. “It was one of my life’s greatest pleasures to play for England,” he stated. He further emphasized, “More importantly, I loved the privilege of doing it alongside some of the most competitive, loyal, committed and hardworking individuals I have ever met. Those bonds and values feel stronger than ever as a new challenge presents itself, and the love and support of this special community embraces us.”
He added: “It will be an honour to carry the match ball out on Saturday as a new generation of warriors get set to pull on the jersey and make us proud. My family and I are truly grateful to all the players, England Rugby, and Rugby Australia for their kindness and support.”
The occasion will carry a powerful emotional weight as Twickenham unites behind one of its most respected figures. The Rugby Football Union plans to use the match to highlight the GoFundMe campaign initiated by Moody’s former Leicester teammates Geordan Murphy and Leon Lloyd, aimed at supporting him and his family. Donations have already surpassed £190,000.
Moody made his first public appearance since his diagnosis at a recent Premiership fixture between Leicester and Bath, receiving a warm and respectful reception as a player remembered as fearless on the field and universally regarded off it.
Motor neurone disease has affected several prominent figures in rugby, including Joost van der Westhuizen, Doddie Weir, Rob Burrow, and Ed Slater. The tragic loss of van der Westhuizen, Weir, and Burrow to the condition underscores the urgent need for continued research and support for those affected.
An emblematic player known for his relentless energy and courage, Moody earned 71 caps for England and was a central figure in their historic 2003 World Cup-winning campaign under Sir Clive Woodward. His leadership and humility have solidified his status as one of the most respected players of his generation.
As England prepare to begin their autumn campaign against Australia, the moment Moody walks out with the match ball is expected to be met with a standing ovation. For fans and former teammates alike, it will be a celebration of his extraordinary contribution to English rugby and a show of solidarity as he confronts his most formidable challenge yet.
In Cardiff, meanwhile, Wales head coach Steve Tandy has faced a setback ahead of his first autumn series in charge, with veteran No 8 Taulupe Faletau ruled out due to a knee injury. The 34-year-old sustained the injury during Cardiff’s win over Edinburgh last weekend, necessitating the call-up of Leicester’s uncapped Olly Cracknell as his replacement.
