jonesy2 says...

seemed to always give it his best. seems like a decent bloke also, admirable attitude

Posted 13:48 07th March 2012

DavidCartwright says...

Lewis Moody's commitment was incredible. On returning from injury he was England's player of the tournament a couple of years ago. If he had been part of an England side that had a few more players like himself he would probably be better remembered internationally. Unfortunately he played in that long period after 2003 when the England team never quite got it together.

Posted 00:23 07th March 2012

NHsaints says...

What a player, he may not have had the talent or sheer strength and size of some of the players in the modern era but he made up for that with grit and determination...something I'm proud to say the new england side seems to have in abundance, never (apart from perhaps burger) has there been a player with so little disregard for his wellbeing that he would literally throw himself around the pitch (not to mention picking a fight with a certain leicester team mate who was a good 15kgs heavier than him and picking up the first red card of any england player at twickenham ever).

Posted 17:36 06th March 2012

jamesliveinhope says...

I agree about the inevitability so I don't know why this has still come as a little bit of a shock to me. I guess it was because I expected him to see out the season.

I agree that he shouldn't have travelled with the team to NZ, players in better form but I still feel that MJ was led by his staff in a lot of decision making (highlighting why he was probably the wrong man for the England job, but that's for another thread).

I wish him well, nothing if not entertaining everytime he took to the field and will be missed by rugby fans not just Bath/Leicester.

Posted 16:11 06th March 2012

ruckman says...

It was inevitable - he has been a great player, and his committment on the field puts many other to shame - its not his fault MJ mistakenly (one of many many errors) named him in the WC squad - let alone as Captain - his body has had enough.

Sadly, my own side Bath have recruited poorly, and should never have signed Mad Dog as he was bound to break down - why they signed so slow Vesty, Hipkiss, and Simon Taylor is also beyond me.

Happy retirement Moody - you deserve it.

Posted 14:56 06th March 2012

pierredelot1 says...

You somehow think that this was inevitable, bearing in mind the way he played. But looking at Rugby in general and the list of missing players for all International sides, it is another illustration on just how hard the professional era has become. Moody was pretty lucky all things considered to keep his career going until the age of 33, never less than 100% from the moment he went on the pitch to the final whistle. Is it any suprise that professional union is moving more toward the Rugby League model with a majority of big guys in all positions from prop to scrum half to wing. Levels of skill especially in English teams are dropping as power takes over from skill and evasive ability. Moody will probably look at the teams in ten years time and wonder if he could have competed on an equal footing. Great memories though. As for keeping out Hill subject to fitness, all things considered I doubt it.

Posted 13:57 06th March 2012

TVaddict says...

Always gave 100% and was always a joy to watch. He will be missed!

Posted 13:03 06th March 2012

APV1 says...

Here's to a successful and enjoyable future, Mad Dog.

And I loved his comment: "I owe a huge debt of gratitude to all the medics and physios who have put me back together time and time again..." - classic!

Posted 12:06 06th March 2012