Lewis Moody to make emotional Twickenham appearance before England vs Australia
Lewis Moody will play a part in England's autumn opener against Australia at Twickenham on Saturday, with a special honour awaiting the retired Leicester Tigers and Bath Rugby flanker
Lewis Moody is set to deliver the match ball for England's clash with Australia at Twickenham on Saturday. It comes after the 47-year-old revealed earlier this month that he has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease [MND].
The news shattered the world of rugby, with players and fans of the sport quick to show their support of the former England flanker - who helped his nation lift the Rugby World Cup back in 2003. Speaking about the honour of delivering the match ball, the Ascot-born icon said: "It was one of my life’s greatest pleasures to play for England.
"More importantly, I loved the privilege of doing it alongside some of the most competitive, loyal, committed and hardworking individuals I have ever met. Those bonds and values feel stronger than ever to me today as a new challenge presents itself and the love and support of this special community embraces us.
"It will be an honour to carry the match ball out on Saturday as a new generation of warriors get set to pull on the jersey and make us proud. My family and I are truly grateful to all the players, England Rugby and Rugby Australia for all their kindness and support."
Moody enjoyed an incredibly senior career with Leicester Tigers between 1996 and 2010, racking up 165 points for the team from 223 appearances. He then joined Bath Rugby for two years, where he played in a further 35 fixtures, before retiring from the game.
On the world stage, meanwhile, Moody made 71 appearances for England between 2001 and 2011, achieving a trilogy of Six Nations titles, a Grand Slam, two Triple Crowns and a prestigious William Webb Ellis Cup. In the latter, Moody emerged in the 93rd minute as England secured a 20-17 win over Australia in enemy territory to win the tournament in front of 82,957 fans.
Moody also represented the British and Irish Lions five times in 2005. It comes after the De Montfort University graduate recently broke the news that he has been diagnosed with MND.
A life-shortening neurological disease, MND affects the nerves which control movement and eventually leads to muscle deterioration. There is no cure for the condition at present.
Moody spoke passionately in front of thousands at Welford Road, as he referenced the embrace of the rugby world following his MND diagnosis - as Leicester Tigers secured a 22-20 over Bath earlier this month. He received an ovation from fans at the match, before he told 17,000 spectators that he will be taking on a number of charity challenges soon.
He added: "It has been 15 years since I got to set foot on this pitch and this is truly special. 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.
"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.
"When people ask me who I support, Bath is my home, I've been there 15 years, 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."