London: Former England captain Lewis Moody retired from rugby yesterday, ending an injury-plagued 16-year career highlighted by the 2003 World Cup victory.
The 33-year-old flanker, who struggled with a shoulder injury earlier this season, quit international action after the 2011 World Cup but has now also called time on his career at Bath.
"It is with great sadness that I have to announce my immediate retirement from all forms of rugby," Moody said in a statement.
"I have been very privileged to have played in some incredible teams and with some phenomenal players.
"I owe a huge debt of gratitude to all the medics and physios who have put me back together time and time again to enable me to continue to play this wonderful sport of ours."
Nicknamed "Mad Dog" for his penchant for putting his head where many other players wouldn't at rucks and restarts, Moody's career was badly affected by injuries, with knee ligament, foot, eye socket and shoulder problems sidelining him at times.
Competitive debut
Moody made his competitive debut in 1996 for Leicester Tigers and played for England for the first time in a Test against Canada in 2001, going on to win 71 Test caps — including five with the British & Irish Lions.
"Rugby has been my life for such a long time now, it is scary to imagine what it will be like without it," he said.
"But I look forward to relishing the new opportunities and adventures that will come my way," he said.
Moody played all seven matches in England's World Cup-winning campaign in 2003. He became England captain for the first time in March 2010 and led the side at last year's World Cup in New Zealand, where the team was ousted in the quarterfinals.
Ian McGeechan, the director of Rugby at Bath, said Moody leaves a "fantastic legacy."
"He has had a tremendous career and is a player I have greatly admired," he said. "He is always fully committed and is everything any coach would want in a Back Row forward."
