Former England rugby captain Lewis Moody is fronting a new documentary chronicling his diagnosis and battle with motor neurone disease (MND), offering a candid look at the impact of the degenerative condition on him and his family. The film, titled *Lewis Moody vs MND*, captures intimate moments between Moody, his wife Annie, and their two teenage sons—Dylan and Ethan—as they grapple with the prognosis and uncertain future.

Moody, known for his energetic playing style during a career spanning Leicester Tigers, Bath, and England, was a key figure in England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup victory. Reflecting on his career, Moody expressed a deep sense of fulfillment despite enduring multiple surgeries and health challenges. His eldest son Dylan, 18, is now pursuing professional football with Southampton, while Ethan remains involved in rugby through the Bath academy.

The documentary presents Moody’s journey from first noticing a persistent weakness in his left shoulder to consulting neurologists and exploring current research efforts. It highlights Moody’s engagement with scientists affiliated with the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, established by former Scotland player Doddie Weir before his death from MND in 2022. Moody’s involvement underscores a wider push to raise awareness and accelerate research into the disease.

A significant segment of the film focuses on a conversation between Moody and neurologist Martin Turner at the John Radcliffe Hospital, during which Moody asks whether rugby played a causal role in his illness. Turner explains that while repeated head injuries from contact sports may contribute to health challenges, they are not considered the sole cause of MND. Rather, the disease results from multiple factors, including genetic predisposition.

This discussion is set against broader research linking contact sports to higher incidences of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a subtype of MND. Recent studies have shown that NFL players may face a substantially increased risk of ALS-related death before age 50, while Scottish rugby internationals appear to have a higher likelihood of diagnosis, though definitive causal connections remain unproven. High-profile athletes such as NFL running back Chris Johnson, who has been diagnosed with ALS, have publicly shared their experiences, illustrating the varying progression of the disease.

Moody, 48, currently remains mobile and active, though MND statistics indicate a grim prognosis: about one third of patients die within a year, and over half within two years, with only a small proportion surviving beyond a decade.

The documentary serves as a call to action, with Moody urging increased funding and awareness to support scientific research. He cites the importance of building on efforts by others affected by MND, such as Doddie Weir and former rugby player Rob Burrow. Fundraising initiatives, including a 500-mile bike ride from Newcastle to Twickenham led by Moody’s former teammates, have raised over £640,000 to support this mission.

Several former England and Leicester teammates attended the documentary premiere in Battersea, demonstrating their ongoing support. Moody conveyed a sense of acceptance about his diagnosis, emphasizing the need to channel his energy into advancing the fight against the disease.

*Lewis Moody vs MND* was co-produced by 3 Rock Productions and TNT Sports. It will air on TNT Sports 1 and is available for streaming on HBO Max.