Lewis Moody made an emotional return to Twickenham this afternoon as he delivered the match ball for England’s autumn opener with Australia.
The former England captain and World Cup winner revealed last month that he has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND).
It was an announcement that rocked the rugby world, but the sport has since wrapped its collective arm around the 47-year-old.
Today, the former flanker looked visibly moved as he walked out to a rapturous applause in west London.
Moody had a beaming smile on his face as the crowd rose to their feet to cheer him, with the electronic boards in the stands also lighting up with the message: ‘We are all with you Lewis.’
The Red Roses legend shook the hands of the referees before standing pitchside to sign the national anthem with his family. He then joined the squad in the dressing room after their resounding 25-7 victory over Australia.
Lewis Moody made an emotional return to Twickenham this afternoon after his MND diagnosis
The Red Roses legend shook the hands of the referees as the crowd erupted into applause
The former World Cup winner then stood pitchside with his family to sign the national anthem
‘It was one of my life’s greatest pleasures to play for England,’ Moody said prior to today’s game.
‘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 to me today as a new challenge presents itself and the love and support of this special community embraces us.
‘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 all their kindness and support.’
Today’s visit to Twickenham, where he delivered countless iconic moments, is just his second public appearance since revealing his MND diagnosis.
He is battling the life-shortening neurological disease which many other rugby players from both league and union have been diagnosed with.
Some names include Joost van der Westhuizen, Doddie Weir, Rob Burrow and Ed Slater. Cruelly, Van der Westhuizen, Weir and Burrow all passed away as a result.
Moody joined Guy Pepper and Sam Underhill in the dressing room after England’s big victory
He then delivered a talk to the Red Roses dressing room as players and staff watched on
Moody was part of England’s World Cup winning team who paraded the trophy in London
There is no cure for MND, which affects the nerves that control movement and leads to muscles deteriorating so they no longer work.
A GoFundMe organised by his friend and promoted by the Rugby Football Union has more than £200,000 in donations which they hope can help Moody, his wife Annie, and his two sons.
An extract from the fundraiser reads: ‘Our great friend, Lewis Moody, has announced that he is living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Our immediate love and support goes out to Lewis, his wife Annie and their two fantastic sons. With no cure for MND currently, this is very difficult news.
‘Lewis is simply the most kind and inspirational person, as well as being known for all he achieved on a rugby pitch with Leicester, Bath, England and the British & Irish Lions.
‘A former England captain, a 2003 Rugby World Cup winner and a passionate charitable campaigner; dedicating the last 12 years to raising over £2million through The Lewis Moody Foundation, to fight for and support those affected by Brain Tumours.
‘As a measure of the man, Lewis has already found it within himself to focus on staying positive, living life and dealing with the changes he will experience in time as they come.’
To support Moody and his family, click here.
