Sam Warburton recently took a moment on live TV to honour Lewis Moody, an iconic figure in rugby, after Moody’s brave announcement of his Motor Neurone Disease diagnosis. Moody, known for his fierce performance on the field in England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup win, revealed this life-changing news via social media, expressing his determination to keep embracing life.
Warburton, recalling his admiration for Moody, shared a heartfelt tribute. He reminisced about his younger days when he idolised Moody, even pretending to be him after receiving a Lions ‘7’ jersey one Christmas. The former Wales captain described playing against Moody on the international stage as surreal, acknowledging the huge inspiration Moody has been to him.
Warburton’s words were joined by those of Moody’s former teammates like Chris Ashton, who shared how welcoming Moody was when he first joined the England camp. Austin Healey also praised Moody’s character, struggling to say anything more profound than what’s already been said about him.
Throughout the rugby world, support is pouring in for Moody amid this challenging time. As seen by all those who played by his side or watched him from the stands, Moody remains a formidable figure off the pitch just as much as he was on it, showing resilience and positivity. His legacy and influence are undeniably profound, leaving lasting impressions on all who crossed paths with him.
Let’s rally around a true legend of the game and continue to support him through this journey. #RugbyFamily #LewisMoody #Inspiration