The news of Lewis Moody being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease at the age of 47 defiantly brings things into perspective and again highlights the continued work that rugby will need to do to safeguard it’s future given the proven links between the sport and CTE and diseases like MND, dementia etc.
A growing number of people who were the first true professionals in rugby union are suffering with the effects of concussions and in turn are having to deal with various ailments attached to them. Lewis is only 12 years older than yours truly and it again brings home the true reality of playing a contact sport.
Many of the guys that Lewis faced while playing for England, Leicester Tigers and the British and Irish Lions are in the same boat. Men like Carl Hayman, Ryan Jones and Alix Popham are all in the same boat as Lewis and it highlights the vulnerabilities of the human brain.
The first generation of pro’s who didn’t cross over from the amateur game have begun to retire in the past few years and unfortunately they will be used as test cases to help the game to try and combat against the effects of these diseases into the future.
Only a few weeks ago, Shane Christie was buried in New Zealand after battling the effects of CTE and it has been stated that he suffered a number of concussions through his career. He worked tirelessly in retirement to try and highlight the ongoing issues.
While work is being done by World Rugby to try and help combat against the effects of concussion with stand down periods, in game head injury assessments. One does wonder is that going to be enough for the future of the game of rugby in both union and league.
Some ex players have said they would do it all again in a heartbeat even knowing the risks. Purely from a human stand point it is gut wrenching to see men like Lewis and others come out on National TV and explain that they have been given the most devastating diagnosis where in the case of MND there is no cure.
Ex team mates of Lewis, Leon Lloyd and Geordan Murphy set up a Go Fund Me page to help Lewis and his family with costs that will be related to the road ahead for the Moody family. It has been a well-trodden path for the families of people over the past number of years.
The Doddie Weir Foundation was set up by Doddie Weir to help families and also assist in research for a cure to be found after his own diagnosis. Lewis has done much fundraising himself in the years since his retirement and now he is looking for some support himself.
I love the game of rugby but in the past few years in the instance of concussions has really hit home. Watching the game either live or on TV you even wince yourself with some of the heavy contact between bodies.
I personally fear that the game could grind to halt at amateur level over the next number of years because parents will say they don’t want their kids involved in the game. Even though the game is built on strong values and morals, I don’t think that will even save it from extinction.
Only time will tell of course but the reality is that both league and union could be heading down a very slippery slope that those in charge at the highest level might not be willing to face but those in the amateur game may be beginning to see the reality of the changing attitudes towards the game of rugby.
I was knocked sideways when seeing the news yesterday and then to realise that he is only 12 years older than myself really made me sit up and take notice. A team mate of his Ed Slater is also suffering from MND and is a few years ahead of Lewis in his battle. He was also only in his 40s when he got his own bad news.
While I still love the game of rugby union and it has given me some of the best moments of my life following Munster in their quest to conquer Europe which came to pass in 2006 and 2008, I am very aware that some of those guys I watched and idolised are now suffering long term health issues attached to playing the game has given me food for thought.
Those in charge must continue to work with those in the medical profession to try and come up with long term solutions that will work for everyone. That of course won’t be easy but if people at all levels just do what they can, like the simple message of If in doubt, sit it out….
My thoughts are with Lewis Moody, his family and friends as well as his team mates at this time. I am also thinking of all of those who suffer from MND and any other health issues similar to that.
After all rugby is only a game with a short shelf life and there is a long life to live post career in both the amateur game as well as in the professional game…..