Kevin Sinfield made heartfelt gesture to Lewis Moody following MND diagnosis

Moody, 47, shared the news in a deeply personal interview on BBC Breakfast, just two weeks after learning of his condition.

The ex-flanker, who played a vital role in England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup triumph and was a central figure in Leicester Tigers’ golden era, admitted he is not yet ready to face the full implications of the degenerative disease that also claimed the lives of fellow rugby legends Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow.

Instead, speaking alongside his wife Annie, Moody said he currently feels "at ease" as he focuses on his immediate health, spending time with his family, and making preparations for the future.

Moody first suspected something was wrong when he noticed weakness in his shoulder during a gym session. After physiotherapy failed to bring improvement, a series of scans revealed damage to nerves in his brain and spinal cord—damage caused by MND.

Since the announcement, support has poured in from across the sport.

A link to donate to the Lewis Moody Fundraising Appeal can be found here.

Sinfield — now part of the England rugby union coaching team — spoke to the PA news agency, saying: “I’m obviously very saddened by the news. I’d like to wish Lewis, and all his family and friends, the very best.

“I’ll support in any way I can. We have to keep fighting MND together.”

He was awarded a CBE last year for his work supporting the MND community.

Each of the six pools featured a team from Bands 1, 2, 3 and 4.

The confirmed Bands based on rankings were:

Band 1: South Africa, New Zealand, England, Ireland, France, Argentina
Band 2: Australia, Fiji, Scotland, Italy, Wales, Japan
Band 3: Georgia, Uruguay, Spain, USA, Chile, Tonga
Band 4: Samoa, Portugal, Romania, Hong Kong China, Zimbabwe, Canada

New Zealand – Perennial contenders with flair, power and unmatched rugby IQ.
Australia – Unpredictable but dangerous, capable of brilliance on their day.
Chile – Fast-improving newcomers bringing passion and fearless physicality.
Hong Kong China – Skillful, energetic, and eager to prove themselves on the global stage.

South Africa – Brutal, relentless, and brutally efficient—never count them out.
Italy – Developing rapidly, mixing strong set-piece work with expanding ambition.
Georgia – Scrum specialists with raw forward strength and growing all-round polish.
Romania – Proud and powerful, known for toughness and unwavering fight.

Argentina – Dynamic, crafty, and fiercely competitive with a never-say-die spirit.
Fiji – Magical offloads, searing pace, and unique unpredictability.
Spain – Determined climbers building consistency and confidence every year.
Canada – Physical and committed, working to regain their traditional sharpness.

Ireland – Well-drilled, intelligent, and ruthlessly efficient across the park.
Scotland – Creative attackers with growing confidence and slick backline play.
Uruguay – Tenacious, organized, and fearless against bigger rugby nations.
Portugal – Exciting, fast-paced, and thriving with a young, fearless core.

France – Electric, unpredictable, and capable of brilliance from anywhere.
Japan – High-tempo, disciplined, and tactically sharp—they never stop moving.
USA – Athletic and physical, with a growing pool of exciting talent.
Samoa – Bone-shaking tackles, powerful runners, and trademark island flair.

England – Structured, strategic, and capable of grinding down any opponent.
Wales – Proud, passionate, and dangerous when the momentum swings their way.
Tonga – Heavy hitters with explosive power and fearless intensity.
Zimbabwe – Energetic and ambitious, bringing speed and spirit to every contest.

From jaw-dropping tries to unforgettable moments (and yes, some questionable haircuts), these players defined a golden era of the game. If their names don’t instantly come to mind, we suggest a quick trip to YouTube to jog your memory. Trust us, it’s worth it.

Ready to test your knowledge? Let’s see if you’ve still got it. Good luck!