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Lewis Moody Reveals MND Diagnosis, Says Rugby’s Rewards Outweighed the Risks

Scientists say no causal link has been established between rugby and motor neurone disease.

Overview

  • The 47-year-old former England and Leicester Tigers flanker disclosed he has motor neurone disease in a BBC documentary.
  • Moody says he understood injury and concussion risks during his career and would choose to play again.
  • He describes his condition as slow-progressing and first noticed shoulder weakness while training after retirement.
  • The documentary, Ben Youngs Investigates: How Safe Is Rugby?, is available on iPlayer and airs Tuesday on BBC One at 10:40 p.m.
  • Researchers cited in coverage note MND has multiple causes, with some studies examining extreme exertion or low oxygen, and reporting stresses there is no proven link to rugby despite several high-profile cases such as Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow.