LEWIS Moody was an integral part of the immortal England Rugby World Cup winning team of 2003.
In October 2025, he announced the heartbreaking news that he has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) — here we get to know his supportive wife Annie.
INSTAGRAM @anniemoody7Lewis Moody and his wife Annie holding the Rugby World Cup[/caption]
BBCThe former England captain revealed he has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease[/caption]
InstagramLewis and Annie have two sons together[/caption]
Who is Lewis Moody?
Lewis Moody was born in Ascot, Berkshire, on June 12, 1978.
During a hugely successful career, he established himself as one of the top English rugby union players of his generation.
His illustrious career was largely spent as a flanker, first with the Leicester Tigers and later Bath Rugby.
Lewis also represented his country on 71 occasions, leading the team out as England captain for 12 of those caps.
His reputation was defined by his fearless style of play and tireless commitment, earning him the nickname Mad Dog Moody.
Over a 16-year career, his impressive array of achievements includes two Six Nations Championship winners’ medals, seven Premiership titles and two Heineken Cup titles with Leicester.
On top of all that silverware, he was an integral part of England’s victorious squad at the 2003 Rugby World Cup.
Lewis featured in all seven matches at the biggest event in the sport, coming off the bench in the final against Australia to make a crucial contribution.
With the score tied in extra time, the flanker secured the line-out that led to Jonny Wilkinson’s match-winning drop goal.
He was also a British & Irish Lion in 2005.
Lewis was appointed England captain in 2010, leading the side in the Six Nations and 2011 Rugby World Cup.
He announced his retirement due to a persistent shoulder injury in 2012.
After leaving the professional game, he remained involved in rugby as a broadcaster.
He is also a supporter of numerous charitable causes — he and his wife Annie co-founded The Lewis Moody Foundation in 2014, which raises funds and awareness for brain tumour research.
I’m still capable of doing anything and everything. And hopefully that will continue for as long as is possible
Lewis Moody
Who is Lewis Moody’s wife Annie?
Lewis Moody’s wife is Annie Moody, an interior designer by profession.
The couple married in June 2006 and have since built a family life together near Bath, raising two children — boys named Dylan and Ethan.
Annie has played a supportive role throughout Moody’s playing and post-playing career, often appearing alongside him at public events and supporting his charitable ventures.
Beyond her professional work, Annie has become well known for her involvement in the charitable foundations the couple co-founded, particularly The Lewis Moody Foundation.
AlamyLewis led England out as captain on 12 occasions during a stellar career[/caption]
It was established after a young rugby fan died from brain cancer and works to support research into brain tumour treatments and help affected families.
After launching The Brain Tumour Charity’s new Relationship Counselling Service in 2020, Annie said: “We are so proud and absolutely delighted to be helping fund the new Relationship Counselling Service through The Brain Tumour Charity.”
She added: “I would urge anyone in need of this service to check it out, we are here to support you.
“And a huge thank you to everyone who has raised incredible funds for The Foundation over the last year, you have helped make this possible!”
InstagramLewis Moody with wife Annie and sons Dylan and Ethan[/caption]
What illness has Lewis Moody been diagnosed with?
Lewis broke down in tears as he confirmed his Motor Neurone Disease diagnosis in October 2025.
He discovered he had MND after noticing some weakness in his shoulder while training in the gym, as reported by the BBC.
A series of scans showed nerves in his brain and spinal cord had been damaged by MND after physiotherapy failed to improve the problem,
He told the BBC: “You’re given this diagnosis of MND and we’re rightly quite emotional about it, but it’s so strange because I feel like nothing’s wrong.
“I don’t feel ill. I don’t feel unwell. My symptoms are very minor. I have a bit of muscle wasting in the hand and the shoulder.
“I’m still capable of doing anything and everything. And hopefully that will continue for as long as is possible.”
Fellow rugby players Rob Burrow and Doddie Weir passed from the illness in recent years.
Stiff joints and muscle weakness are common symptoms of motor neurone disease.
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