Former England flank Lewis Moody made his first public appearance since revealing his motor neurone disease (MND) diagnosis.
The 47-year-old on Saturday returned to Welford Road, where he became a Leicester Tigers legend, to watch his old club edge Bath 22-20.
Moody was greeted by thunderous applause from 17,000 supporters as he stepped onto the field, his sons Dylan (17) and Ethan (15) watching proudly from the sidelines.
Nearby, 2003 World Cup-winning captain Martin Johnson was seen wiping away tears as his former teammate addressed the crowd.
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“It has been 15 years since I got to set foot on this pitch and this is truly special,” Moody said, his voice thick with emotion. “It’s been a tough few weeks, but the love and support I’ve been shown has been second to none. I feel it deeply.”
Reflecting on his career, Moody spoke of his deep connection to both Leicester and Bath, where he ended his playing days.
“I had 15 years at Leicester and many years before that sat in the stands. Then I got the privilege of going to Bath as well,” he said. “When people ask me who I support, Bath is my home – my son is a mascot there and they love it.
“But Leicester is always my rugby home. Rugby union is great at times like this. They have their arms around you in an embrace, and I certainly feel that love.”
An emotional return to Mattioli Woods Welford Road for Lewis Moody, surrounded by love and support
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Moody also paid tribute to foundations established in memory of Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow – two rugby greats lost to MND – and said he plans to announce his own partnership with a charitable cause in the near future.
When asked about Johnson’s visible tears, Moody quipped: “He must have had a dodgy drink.”
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Across his 223 appearances for Leicester, Moody was renowned for his fearless tackling and boundless energy – qualities that carried him to 71 Test caps, a World Cup winner’s medal in 2003 and the captaincy of England in 2011.
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
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