Warrior's warrior Moody faces his greatest challenge

Ex-England captain, nicknamed 'Mad Dog' for his fearless playing style, has revealed he has motor neurone disease

- LUKE BAKER

In rugby union, where physicality and bravery are prerequisites, you have to go some to earn the nickname “Mad Dog”.

Enter Lewis Moody.

In a sport replete with warriors, the 2003 Rugby World Cup-winning flanker - who yesterday announced he has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) – has carved out a reputation as a warrior's warrior.

He is a man who would courageously and relentlessly put his body on the line for club and country - happily sticking his head where others wouldn't even put their boot - to the extent that even fellow professionals were left in awe.

“He was an absolutely fearless player - one of the best that we've produced,” said current Ireland coach Andy Farrell back in 2012, when his former England teammate was finally forced into retirement through injury.

“He will be remembered as mad. A fighter who has total disrespect for his own body, who only knows one way. I honestly don't think I've played with another player who is that committed and cared so much for his teammates as well.”

In an interview with The Times in 2020, Moody conceded: “I was a lunatic on a rugby pitch. I did put myself in harm's way for the benefit of my team because that was the way I enjoyed playing the game. That was the only way I could be."

Lewis Moody, the rugby player, who won 71 England caps and captained them on 12 occasions, earned respect every time he stepped on the field, while Lewis Moody the human being is beloved off it. You would be hard-pushed to find anyone at any level of rugby with a bad word to say about the 47-year-old, renowned for his warmth and good humour.