Former England rugby captain Lewis Moody has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease, the 47-year-old has confirmed. Moody told the BBC the diagnosis was given two weeks ago and that facing what lies ahead is difficult. He said there is a reluctance to dwell on the future for now.

Moody said his symptoms are currently mild. He described some muscle wasting in his hand and shoulder but stressed he remains able to do most things and hopes that will continue for as long as possible. He earned 71 England caps and five for the British and Irish Lions, and spent much of his club career with Leicester, where he won seven league titles. He played in all seven matches as England won the 2003 World Cup in Australia, with a line-out in the final contributing to Jonny Wilkinson’s winning drop goal.

The Rugby Football Union said Moody represented England, the Lions and his clubs with distinction and was one of the toughest back-row players in the game. The union added that the sport would support Moody, his family and friends during this difficult time. The illness has affected other players in recent years, including Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow, and rugby has backed fundraising campaigns led by figures such as Kevin Sinfield.