Lewis Moody Leads 500-Mile Rugby Legends Ride to Fund Motor Neurone Disease Research

Lewis Moody, former England captain and 2003 Rugby World Cup winner, has launched an extraordinary 500-mile cycling challenge alongside a peloton of rugby legends to raise vital funds for motor neurone disease (MND) research. The Lewis Moody XV Cycle Challenge, supported by Gallagher, began at Newcastle Red Bulls—home to the late Doddie Weir—and will conclude at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium in just seven days.

Moody, who revealed his own MND diagnosis last year, is joined by family, friends, and some of rugby’s biggest names, including Rugby World Cup winners Martin Johnson, Jonny Wilkinson, and Jason Robinson, as well as former England stars Martin Corry, Tom Croft, Ben Kay, Joe Worsley, and Ben Youngs. Together, they will cycle 505 miles across England, delivering the match ball for the upcoming Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final between Northampton and Exeter.

The ride carries deep personal meaning for Moody and the riders, many connected through Doddie Weir’s inspiring legacy. The My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, created by Weir following his own diagnosis, benefits directly from the challenge. By the time the team set off, they had already raised over £200,000.

Moody’s family, including his wife Annie and sons Dylan and Ethan, are actively involved, as are Doddie’s wife Kathy and son Hamish, who will join portions of the ride. Hundreds gathered at Newcastle Red Bulls, including England cricketer Mark Wood, to cheer the cyclists as they embarked on their journey.

Speaking at the start, Moody expressed gratitude and resolve: “Bringing our families together under the My Name’5 Doddie banner is incredible. There’s a bonkers group of riders here, and despite everything, there’s plenty of reasons to smile. The support we’ve received means the world to us. This ride is about raising awareness and funding for MND—a disease that still needs more attention. Thanks to the energy Doddie brought to the fight, there is more hope now than ever.”

Over the next six days, the riders will traverse key rugby hubs including Ripon, Worksop, Oakham, Leicester, Worcester, Gloucester, Bath, and Bracknell before reaching Twickenham. The challenge underscores Moody’s commitment to continuing the momentum Doddie ignited, accelerating research toward treatments and a cure.

“MND affects people worldwide—not just in rugby,” Moody emphasized. “We want as many people as possible to get involved. Every donation helps fuel progress. This disease is not incurable, it’s just underfunded.”

The ride enjoys broad support within and beyond the rugby community, featuring partnership from Gallagher and corporate backers such as Y.CO, Switch Car Rental, Britt Security Supplies, Castore, Optimum Nutrition, and TNT Sports.

Since its inception, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation has invested more than £23.5 million into MND research. The Lewis Moody XV Cycle Challenge is a powerful continuation of those efforts, blending sport, community, and hope for a future without MND.

Ride Route: