Rugby Legend Lewis Moody Returns to Bath as 500-Mile Challenge Raises Awareness of MND

Bath Rugby supporters are invited to join us at The Rec on Thursday 18 June to welcome Lewis Moody MBE and the riders taking part in the Lewis Moody XV Challenge, raising vital funds and awareness for My Name'5 Doddie Foundation.

Lewis Moody MBE faced some of rugby's toughest opponents during a career that saw him captain England, play for Bath Rugby, win the Rugby World Cup, and earn a reputation as one of the sport's fiercest competitors.

 

Today, however, he is taking on a very different challenge.

 

The former Bath Rugby star is cycling 500 miles from Newcastle to London to raise awareness and vital funds for Motor Neurone Disease (MND), following his own diagnosis with the condition last year.

This week, that journey brings him back to Bath.

 

Lewis and his team are expected to arrive at The Rec at 4pm on Thursday 18 June, where supporters are being encouraged to give them a warm Bath Rugby welcome as they complete another stage of their remarkable challenge.

 

Following their arrival, fans will have the opportunity to join Lewis and the riders on the pitch for a special live Q&A session.

 

The Lewis Moody XV Challenge sees Moody and a group of former rugby players, friends and supporters cycling from Newcastle to London, stopping at clubs that have played an important role throughout his rugby career. The challenge is raising funds and awareness for the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, which supports people living with MND and helps fund research into the disease.

 

For Bath Rugby supporters, the visit holds particular significance.

 

Moody represented Bath Rugby between 2010 and 2012 following an outstanding career with Leicester Tigers and England. Known affectionately as "Mad Dog" for his fearless style of play, he remains one of English rugby's most respected figures. He was a key member of England's 2003 Rugby World Cup-winning squad and later captained his country during an illustrious international career.

 

Last year, Moody revealed that he had been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, a condition that affects the brain and nerves and currently has no cure. Rather than stepping away from the sport that made him a household name, he has chosen to use his profile to raise awareness and vital funds for research.

 

The challenge also honours the legacy of former Scotland international Doddie Weir, whose tireless campaigning transformed awareness of MND and generated millions of pounds for research before his death in 2022.

 

Lewis is hugely respected at Bath Rugby, both as a former player and as a member of the local community.

Speaking on behalf of the club, Bath Rugby Chief Executive Tarquin McDonald said:

 

"Lewis is, and always will be, part of the Bath Rugby family as a former player who has laid down roots in the local community, and a true ambassador for the sport. His charitable work through his Foundation, dedicated to raising awareness and funds to improve the lives of those needing help and support, is inspirational."

 

Joining Lewis on the ride are many of rugby's biggest names, including Phil Vickery, Jonny Wilkinson, Martin Corry, Martin Johnson, Jason Robinson, Ben Kay, Kenny Logan, Tom Croft, Geordan Murphy, Leon Lloyd, Danny Grewcock, Ben Youngs, Tom Youngs, Lee Mears, Dan Hipkiss, Andy Gomarsall and Louis Deacon.

 

Adding a particularly personal element to the challenge, Lewis's teenage sons, Dylan and Ethan, are riding alongside their father throughout the journey.

 

Bath Rugby supporters are encouraged to head to The Rec on Thursday to welcome the riders and show their support for a cause that continues to affect families across the UK.

 

For many, it will be an opportunity to see a rugby legend return to one of his former clubs. More importantly, it will be a chance to stand behind a campaign that is helping to drive awareness, fund research and offer hope to those affected by MND.

 

In a sport built on courage, teamwork and resilience, the Lewis Moody XV Challenge is a powerful reminder that some of life's greatest battles take place far beyond the touchline.