Previous English leader Lewis Moody has disclosed he has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease and stated he cannot yet face the full implications of the muscle-degenerating condition that took the lives of other rugby players Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow.
The 47-year-old, who was involved in the 2003 Rugby World Cup-winning side and won numerous English and European titles with Leicester, appeared on BBC Breakfast 14 days after learning he has the disease.
"There's something about confronting what lies ahead and not wanting to completely absorb that at the minute," he said.
"It isn't that I fail to comprehend where it's going. We understand that. But there is certainly a hesitation to face what's ahead for now."
Moody, talking with his wife Annie, says conversely he feels "at ease" as he focuses on his current wellbeing, his family and getting ready for when the illness progresses.
"Possibly that's trauma or possibly I handle situations uniquely, and once I have the information, it's more manageable," he stated further.
Early Symptoms
Moody learned he had MND after detecting some lack of strength in his upper arm while working out in the gym.
After physical therapy didn't help the condition, a number of scans showed nerves in his neurological system had been compromised by MND.
"You receive this condition identification of MND and we're understandably quite moved about it, but it's rather peculiar because I sense that everything is fine," he continued.
"I don't experience sick. I don't sense sick
"My symptoms are rather minimal. I have a small amount of muscle deterioration in the hand and the shoulder region.
"I'm still capable of doing all activities. And optimistically that will carry on for as long as is attainable."
Condition Progression
MND can progress rapidly.
Based on the organization MND Association, the condition claims a one-third of people within a 365 days and above half within 730 days of diagnosis, as ingestion and respiration become increasingly challenging.
Therapy can only slow deterioration.
"It isn't ever me that I am upset for," stated an emotional Moody.
"It's about the sadness around having to tell my mum - as an sole offspring - and the ramifications that has for her."
Family Impact
Conversing from the family home with his wife and their canine companion by his side, Moody was overwhelmed by feeling when he discussed informing his sons - 17-year Dylan and 15-year-old Ethan - the traumatic news, commenting: "It was the toughest thing I've ever had to do."
"They are two wonderful boys and that was pretty upsetting," Moody stated.
"We positioned ourselves on the settee in weeping, Ethan and Dylan both hugging in each other, then the dog bounded over and commenced cleaning the drops off our faces, which was rather silly."
Moody said the focus was being in the moment.
"There is no solution and that is why you have to be extremely strongly concentrated on just welcoming and savoring each moment now," he said.
"According to Annie, we've been truly blessed that the sole decision I made when I concluded playing was to spend as much time with the kids as possible. We can't reclaim those times back."
Player Link
Top-level sportspeople are unevenly affected by MND, with studies indicating the incidence of the disease is up to six times elevated than in the broader public.
It is thought that by reducing the oxygen accessible and causing damage to neural pathways, consistent, vigorous physical activity can trigger the disease in those already genetically susceptible.
Athletic Playing Days
Moody, who earned 71 England caps and traveled with the British and Irish Lions in New Zealand in 2005, was called 'Mad Dog' during his playing career, in acknowledgment of his fearless, persistent method to the game.
He played through a fracture of his leg for a period with Leicester and once initiated a workout altercation with colleague and friend Martin Johnson when, irritated, he left a tackle pad and commenced engaging in collisions.
After entering as a reserve in the Rugby World Cup decisive match win over Australia in 2003, he secured a ball at the end of the set piece in the crucial passage of play, creating a foundation for scrum-half Matt Dawson to snipe and Jonny Wilkinson to score the victory-securing field goal.
Assistance System
Moody has previously notified Johnson, who captained England to that title, and a few other ex- players about his condition, but the rest will be discovering his news with the broader public.
"There will be a time when we'll need to lean on their support but, at the minute, just having that type of affection and recognition that people are present is what's important," he said.
"This game is such a wonderful family.
"I said to the kids the other day, I've had an amazing life.
"Even when it finished now, I've appreciated all of it and welcomed all of it and got to do it with remarkable people.
"Being able to call your passion your career, it's one of the greatest honors.
"Having accomplished it for so considerable a time with the teams that I did it with was a delight. And I know they will want to help in every way they can and I anticipate having those conversations."
