Lewis Moody – MND Diagnosis, Career and Latest Updates
Lewis Moody, the former England rugby captain, was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in September 2024. Details of his health, career highlights, net worth, and ongoing advocacy work are covered here.
What is Lewis Moody’s current health status?
- Full Name: Lewis Walton Moody
- Date of Birth: 12 June 1978 (age 46)
- Position: Flanker (back row)
- Teams: Leicester Tigers, Bath Rugby, England
- Major Honours: 2003 Rugby World Cup winner, 7× Premiership titles, 2× European Champions
- Health Status: Diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) – announcement in September 2024
- His MND diagnosis has drawn significant attention to the disease in rugby circles.
- He remains active through charity initiatives, notably fundraising bike races that support MND research.
- His rugby legacy as a tenacious flanker and World Cup winner remains undimmed.
- Public interest in his net worth reflects curiosity about the financial side of professional rugby careers.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Born | 12 June 1978, Ascot, England |
| Height | 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in) |
| Weight | 110 kg (17 st 5 lb) |
| Position | Flanker (back row) |
| International caps | 71 (England), 1 (British & Irish Lions) |
| World Cup | Winner 2003 |
| Diagnosis | Motor Neurone Disease (confirmed September 2024) |
What are Lewis Moody’s career highlights?
Club and international achievements
Moody played as a flanker for Leicester Tigers from 1999 to 2010, winning six Premiership titles and two Heineken Cups. He served as club captain before moving to Bath Rugby in 2010, where he played until his retirement in 2012. For England, he earned 58 caps, 12 as captain, and was a key part of the 2003 Rugby World Cup-winning squad. He also toured South Africa with the British & Irish Lions in 2005. His aggressive, fearless style earned him the nickname “Mad Dog”.
Moody was called “Mad Dog” for his relentless, physical approach on the pitch. The nickname became synonymous with his playing identity.
Strictly Come Dancing and the cycle challenge
Moody participated in the 2023 series of Strictly Come Dancing as a contestant, dancing with professional Dianne Buswell. In 2024, he joined a bike race alongside fellow MND patient Ed Slater to raise funds and awareness for the Slater Cup, the annual fixture between Gloucester and Leicester Tigers. No separate “cycle challenge” event exists beyond this fundraising race.
What is Lewis Moody’s net worth?
Lewis Moody’s net worth has not been publicly disclosed. His earnings from a professional rugby career with Leicester Tigers and Bath Rugby, combined with his participation in Strictly Come Dancing and endorsements, likely contribute to his financial standing. However, no verified figure exists in public records. Reports of his net worth are speculative and should be treated as estimates only.
Any online net worth estimates for Lewis Moody are not confirmed by official sources. His wealth remains private.
What key events define Lewis Moody’s journey?
- 1978 – Born in Ascot, England
- 1997–2009 – Plays for Leicester Tigers, wins multiple domestic and European titles
- 2001 – England debut
- 2003 – Rugby World Cup victory
- 2005 – British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa
- 2010 – Moves to Bath Rugby
- 2012 – Retires from professional rugby
- 2023 – Participates in Strictly Come Dancing
- September 2024 – Publicly reveals MND diagnosis
- Ongoing – Charity fundraising and advocacy work
What is known and what remains uncertain?
| What is known | What remains uncertain |
|---|---|
| Lewis Moody was diagnosed with MND in September 2024, confirmed by official club statements and his own social media. | The exact date of diagnosis has not been widely publicised. |
| He is a former England and Leicester Tigers flanker and 2003 Rugby World Cup winner. | The current progression of his MND symptoms has not been publicly detailed. |
| He participated in Strictly Come Dancing in 2023 and joined a bike race with Ed Slater for MND awareness. | His net worth is unconfirmed; any figures are estimates from public sources. |
How has Moody’s diagnosis impacted the rugby community?
Motor Neurone Disease is a progressive neurodegenerative condition. Moody’s public battle echoes that of other sports figures like Rob Burrow and Doddie Weir, who also raised awareness after their diagnoses. His decision to go public has amplified fundraising efforts, including a GoFundMe page set up by friends Geordan Murphy and Leon Lloyd that raised over £200,000 for his family. The rugby community has rallied around him, with former teammates and clubs offering support.
Moody’s transition from elite athlete to advocate highlights how ex-players can leverage their platform. His bike race with Ed Slater and ongoing public appearances demonstrate a proactive approach to living with the diagnosis.
What have official statements and personal quotes revealed?
“Bath Rugby is deeply saddened to learn that former player Lewis Moody has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.”
— Bath Rugby club statement
“Emotions are always close to the surface. Opens up about life after motor neurone disease diagnosis.”
— Lewis Moody on X (Twitter)
Moody has described the emotional toll of losing communication and mobility as harder than the physical symptoms. He aims to have as big an impact on MND as possible in the time he has.
What is the current status of Lewis Moody?
As of 2025, Lewis Moody remains active in MND advocacy, attending events and raising funds. His symptoms are described as minor but progressing. He has not taken on high-profile sporting challenges post-diagnosis, focusing instead on awareness. Ongoing coverage of his diagnosis can be found on ESPN.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Lewis Moody called ‘Mad Dog’?
He earned the nickname for his aggressive, fearless style of play on the rugby pitch.
Does Lewis Moody have a podcast or book?
To date, no public podcast or autobiography has been announced, but he frequently appears in rugby media.
What is the Lewis Moody cycle challenge?
No separate “cycle challenge” exists beyond the fundraising bike race he joined with Ed Slater for the Slater Cup.
How old is Lewis Moody?
Born 12 June 1978, he is 46 years old as of 2025.
Where did Lewis Moody play rugby?
He played for Leicester Tigers (1999–2010), Bath Rugby (2010–2012), England, and the British & Irish Lions.
What is Motor Neurone Disease?
MND is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. There is no cure.
Was Lewis Moody on Strictly Come Dancing?
Yes, he participated in the 2023 series as a contestant, dancing with Dianne Buswell.
How much money did Lewis Moody earn from rugby?
His net worth is not publicly disclosed; reports are speculative.
What is Lewis Moody doing now?
He is focused on MND advocacy, fundraising, and spending time with his family.
Is there a causal link between rugby and MND?
Experts say there is no proven causal link, though professional sport may carry a small increased risk.