Emotions will run high at Welford Road when Leicester Tigers host Bath in what promises to be a stirring Premiership encounter. The match goes beyond rugby as fans of both clubs unite to support Lewis Moody, the former England flanker who recently revealed his diagnosis with motor neurone disease (MND).
Moody, a legend of the sport, spent 14 years with Leicester, making 223 appearances and scoring 32 tries before finishing his career at Bath in 2012. His illustrious journey includes seven league titles, two European Cups, a Rugby World Cup triumph in 2003, and even the England captaincy. His appearance before the match will be deeply emotional for fans and former teammates alike, as the rugby community rallies around him.
A fundraising campaign launched by his ex-Leicester teammates Geordan Murphy and Leon Lloyd has already generated close to £170,000. Leicester have added a donation option for supporters purchasing tickets, with several of Moody’s former colleagues attending to help raise awareness and funds. While no definitive link between MND and contact sports has been established, Moody’s diagnosis has intensified calls for further research.
On the field, Bath arrive as defending champions, buoyed by three bonus-point wins from three games. With stars such as Finn Russell, Henry Arundell, and Ben Spencer, the visitors boast firepower across the park. Arundell and Tom de Glanville offer pace out wide, while Argentina international Santi Carreras makes his first start at full-back. In the pack, hooker Dan Frost starts for the first time, and prop Thomas du Toit features on the bench after announcing plans to return to South Africa next year.
Leicester, under new head coach Geoff Parling, seek consistency after mixed early results. Veteran playmaker James O’Connor makes his first Premiership start since rejoining English rugby, combining with England’s Freddie Steward, who made more carries than any player in the previous round. Adam Radwan provides blistering pace on the wing, while Ollie Chessum captains the side from lock.
Although Bath appear favourites given their early momentum, the day’s defining moment will come before kick-off when Lewis Moody steps onto the pitch — a reminder of rugby’s spirit, unity, and the profound bonds that transcend competition.
