Lewis Moody will make an emotional return to Twickenham on Saturday where he will deliver the match ball for England’s autumn opener with Australia.
The former England flanker and captain and 2003 World Cup winner revealed earlier this month he has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease.
Moody’s news rocked the rugby world, but since then the sport has shown its support for the 47-year-old who was a key figure when England lifted the William Webb Ellis Cup 22 years ago.
‘It was one of my life’s greatest pleasures to play for England,’ Moody said.
'More importantly, I loved the privilege of doing it alongside some of the most competitive, loyal, committed and hardworking individuals I have ever met.
‘Those bonds and values feel stronger than ever to me today as a new challenge presents itself and the love and support of this special community embraces us.
‘It will be an honour to carry the match ball out on Saturday as a new generation of warriors get set to pull on the jersey and make us proud.
'My family and I are truly grateful to all the players, England Rugby and Rugby Australia for all their kindness and support.’
MND is a life-shortening neurological disease which affects the nerves that control movement and leads to muscles deteriorating so they no longer work.
There is no cure. Other rugby players from both league and union to have been diagnosed with MND include Joost van der Westhuizen, Doddie Weir, Rob Burrow and Ed Slater.
Cruelly, Van der Westhuizen, Weir and Burrow all passed away as a result of the disease.
Moody made his first public appearance since revealing his MND news when his two former domestic sides Leicester and Bath met in a PREM Rugby clash on October 18.
On Saturday, the RFU will be promoting the GoFundMe page set up by Moody’s friends and former Leicester team-mates Geordan Murphy and Leon Lloyd.
It is designed to raise money for Moody and his family.
The page has already raised more than £190,000.
Meanwhile, new Wales head coach Steve Tandy’s autumn campaign hopes have been hit by the news No 8 Taulupe Faletau has been released from the squad with a knee injury.
Tandy is preparing for his first matches in charge with Argentina, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa all coming to Principality Stadium.
But he will now have to do without veteran Faletau, still a key player at 34, after he picked up the knee problem in Cardiff’s win over Edinburgh on Saturday.
Tandy has called up Leicester’s uncapped Olly Cracknell as a result.
‘It’s obviously hugely disappointing to lose Taulupe to injury as he’s a world-class player,’ Tandy said.
‘But Olly’s been playing really well for Leicester and we’re excited to add him to the squad.’
