Lewis Moody: 10 Things to Know About England Legend After His Diagnosis

Monday, 06 October 2025 at 07:51

byRugby Rucker

, and he continues to be a familiar face in the media.

Former England rugby captain and 2003 World Cup winner Lewis Moody has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND). At 47, the flanker known as “Mad Dog” remains active and positive, despite his diagnosis.

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Here are 10 key facts about Lewis Moody:

1. World Cup Winner

Moody was a pivotal figure in England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup victory and captained the national team in 2010.

2. Ulcerative Colitis Battle

Diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2005, Moody kept his condition private during his playing days. He later became an advocate for inflammatory bowel disease awareness.

3. Charity Work

In 2014, Moody co-founded the Lewis Moody Foundation, supporting brain tumour research and providing families with special experiences.

4. Family Life

He lives in Bradford-on-Avon with his wife, Annie, and their two children.

5. Son’s Football Career

Moody’s son, Dylan, is a promising 17-year-old goalkeeper for Southampton and has represented England at youth level.

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JULY 18: Dylan Moody signs a professional contract with Southampton FC at the Staplewood Campus on July 18, 2025 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Matt Watson/Southampton FC via Getty Images)

6. Rugby Career

Moody made 71 appearances for England and 223 for Leicester Tigers, winning multiple domestic titles.

7. Nickname Origins

His aggressive playing style earned him the nickname “Mad Dog” from teammates and fans.

8. Post-Rugby Ventures

After retiring, Moody ventured into property development and motivational speaking.

9. Recent Diagnosis

Moody noticed shoulder weakness during training, leading to his MND diagnosis. He reports minor symptoms but remains active.

10. Continued Advocacy

Despite his diagnosis, Moody continues to support causes like MND awareness and brain tumour research.

Here’s Who the 2003 World Cup Legends Are Now Settling Down With

Here's a look at who these iconic players have settled down with and what they've been up to since lifting the trophy.

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Lewis Moody - Annie his rock

Moody married Annie (an interior designer) in June 2006. The couple live in Bradford-on-Avon. They have two children.

In May 2014, Lewis and his wife Annie set up The Lewis Moody Foundation, inspired by Joss Rowley-Stark, to fund groundbreaking research to improve the diagnosis and treatment of brain tumours and give families a day out of the ordinary to lift spirits and create special memories.

Jason Robinson – The Rugby Flyer Who Found Love in Sian Griffin

Jason Robinson’s first marriage to Amanda ended in divorce, and together they have six children, including Cameron, Jemimah, Joseph, and Lewis. In June 2017, Robinson married Sian Griffin, with whom he has a son, Noah, who is making waves as a footballer with Manchester City.

Robinson’s career post-rugby has been diverse, from coaching rugby league to a brief stint as Sale Sharks' head coach. Meanwhile, his sons, Lewis Tierney and Patrick Robinson, have thrived in rugby league and professional cycling.

Will Greenwood – The Centre Who’s Been a Rock for His Family

Will Greenwood’s marriage to Caroline has seen highs and lows, including the heartbreaking loss of their son Freddie in 2002, who passed away just 45 minutes after birth. As patrons of Child Bereavement UK, they have turned their grief into a mission to support others.

The former centre has worked extensively in media, offering insightful commentary during the 2007 World Cup and becoming a leading pundit for Sky Sports. He also writes a column for the Daily Telegraph.

Mike Tindall – From Rugby Glory to Royal Romance

Mike Tindall’s romance with Zara Phillips, the daughter of Princess Anne and granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, became public in 2003, but it was in 2010 that the couple got engaged. They now have two daughters, Mia and Lena.

The couple’s relationship has been closely followed by the media, especially after their chance meeting during the 2003 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

Ben Cohen – The Winger Who Found New Love and a New Mission

Ben Cohen’s first marriage to Abby Blayney ended in 2016 after years of estrangement, with the couple sharing twin daughters, Harriette and Isabelle. Shortly after the divorce, Cohen and his Strictly Come Dancing partner Kristina Rihanoff revealed they were expecting a child together, and their daughter Milena was born in January 2016.

Cohen is also a passionate anti-bullying advocate, having founded the Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation, which aims to raise awareness about the psychological impact of bullying, including homophobia.

Jonny Wilkinson – The Golden Boot and Shelley’s Quiet Romance

Jonny Wilkinson, the man who kicked England to victory in 2003, married Shelley Jenkins in 2013 after eight years of dating. The private ceremony in the French resort town of Bandol was attended by just two guests, including Wilkinson’s mother.

The couple welcomed their son, James, in 2019 while living in France. Wilkinson has since embraced a media career, joining ITV for coverage of the 2024 Six Nations.

Matt Dawson – From A Question of Sport to Instagram Fitness Fame

Matt Dawson’s personal life has seen some ups and downs. After his breakup with Carolin Hauskeller, with whom he has two sons, Dawson found new love with personal trainer and content creator Elizabeth Kerry.

With over 11,000 Instagram followers, Kerry shares plenty of fitness content, and Dawson has been happily dating her. His career post-rugby has included stints as a television presenter, most notably on A Question of Sport