England Rugby World Cup winner Lewis Moody has another reason to celebrate after his 18-year-old son Dylan made his competitive England Under-19 debut in a 4-1 victory over Slovenia.
The Southampton goalkeeper started between the posts as the Young Lions opened their latest European Under-19 Championship qualifying campaign with an impressive win on Wednesday.
Dylan helped England to victory, with Reigan Heskey scoring twice in a comfortable afternoon for Ben Futcher's side.
It was another proud moment for the Moody family, more than two decades after Lewis helped England lift the Rugby World Cup in 2003.
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Following in his father's footsteps
Lewis Moody earned 71 England caps during a glittering rugby career with Leicester Tigers and Bath.
Nicknamed 'Mad Dog', he was part of Sir Clive Woodward's legendary 2003 World Cup-winning squad.
Now his son is representing England in football.
Dylan joined Southampton's academy aged eight and signed his first professional contract in July 2025.
The teenager has already trained with Southampton's first team and continues to impress at international level.
His latest appearance is another step forward in a promising career.
A special moment for the Moody family
The family's sporting success comes during a difficult period.
Lewis revealed in October 2025 that he had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND).
Just days after announcing the diagnosis, the former England captain watched Dylan save a penalty against France during an international youth fixture.
The teenager kept a clean sheet in that 1-0 victory, giving his family a special moment during an incredibly challenging time.
Now Dylan has another achievement to celebrate.
According to the FA's official match report, England will next face Belarus on Saturday before meeting Austria on Tuesday.
Lewis experienced the ultimate international triumph in Sydney in 2003.
Twenty-three years later, his son is beginning to build his own England story.
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PLAY THE ULTIMATE DRAFT →Lewis Moody: Career in numbers 🏉
- 🏆 2003 Rugby World Cup winner with England.
- 🌹 71 England caps between 2001 and 2010.
- 🦁 5 British & Irish Lions caps across the 2005 and 2009 tours.
- 🏉 2001 – Made his England debut against Canada.
- 🏆 7 Premiership titles with Leicester Tigers.
- 🌍 2 Heineken Cup titles with Leicester Tigers.
- 🏟️ Leicester Tigers and Bath – The two clubs he represented during his senior career.
- 🧢 England captain – Led his country during the latter stages of his international career.
- 🐕 Mad Dog – His famous nickname, earned through his fearless playing style.
- 🎯 9 international tries for England.
- 🏅 MBE – Awarded following England's 2003 World Cup triumph.
- 📅 2012 – Retired from professional rugby aged 33.
Cited sources: British & Irish Lions, Sky Sports and World Rugby Museum.
