Lewis Moody: 'I knew the risks in rugby and I'd do it again'
BBC World
March 2, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Ex-England rugby captain Lewis Moody has opened up about his career and the risks associated with playing the sport, reflecting on his time in professional rugby and his diagnosis with motor neurone disease (MND). In a BBC documentary, Moody admitted he was fully aware of the physical dangers of rugby, including injuries and concussions, but believed the joy and reward of playing outweighed those risks. Despite his condition, he expressed no frustration over the public perception linking rugby to MND, stating that there is no proven direct link between the sport and the disease. Moody acknowledged that while elite athletes are disproportionately affected by MND, it is more likely tied to extreme physical exertion rather than sports participation itself.
Moody’s career was marked by his relentless commitment to the game, earning him the nickname "Mad Dog" due to his aggressive playing style. He faced numerous injuries throughout his time on the field, including a severe head injury during the 2007 Rugby World Cup. Despite these incidents, Moody continued to play and even ignored medical advice to join his team on a day trip after the injury. His story highlights the high-stakes nature of professional rugby and the lengths players go to for their sport.
The discussion around MND in rugby has gained attention due to several high-profile cases among former players, including Rob Burrow, Doddie Weir, and Joost van der Westhuizen. While there is no proven link between rugby and MND, research suggests that extreme physical exertion, combined with genetic or environmental factors, may contribute to the disease. Moody emphasized that the public should not automatically assume a direct connection between rugby and MND, as it is a complex condition influenced by multiple factors.
Moody’s reflections on his career and health challenges offer insight into the broader debate about safety in sports. His story underscores the physical toll of elite athletics and the ongoing efforts to understand the long-term effects of such activities. As more former athletes face similar health issues, the conversation about sport safety continues to evolve,
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Originally published on BBC World on 3/2/2026