Lewis Moody is scheduled to present the match ball for the England versus Australia game at Twickenham this Saturday. This follows his recent announcement of being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease [MND] at the age of 47.

The rugby community was deeply affected by the news, with both players and fans showing overwhelming support for the former England flanker, who was a key part of the 2003 Rugby World Cup-winning team. Expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to deliver the match ball, the Ascot-born legend shared, “Playing for England was one of the greatest pleasures of my life.”

Moody had a distinguished career with Leicester Tigers from 1996 to 2010, playing in 223 matches and scoring 165 points. He later joined Bath Rugby for two years before retiring from professional rugby. Internationally, Moody represented England in 71 games from 2001 to 2011, achieving multiple Six Nations titles, a Grand Slam, two Triple Crowns, and a Rugby World Cup victory in 2003 against Australia.

Additionally, Moody had five appearances for the British and Irish Lions in 2005. Despite his illustrious career, Moody recently revealed his battle with MND, a degenerative neurological disorder that affects muscle control.

Addressing a crowd at Welford Road, Moody expressed his appreciation for the outpouring of support from the rugby community. He mentioned his upcoming charity initiatives and reflected on his rugby journey, emphasizing the strong bond he feels with both Leicester and Bath. Moody praised the rugby community for its unwavering support during challenging times.

With no current cure for MND, Moody’s diagnosis has shed light on the importance of raising awareness and support for those affected by the disease.