Former England rugby star Lewis Moody, has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND).
Moody, who featured on England's 2003 World Cup winning squad, as well as captaining his country, said that it had been "incredibly hard to process and a huge shock to me and my family".
Taking to social media, Moody wrote: "I'm writing to share some tough news. I have recently been diagnosed with ALS, also known as Motor Neurone Disease (MND)".
"I feel fit and well in myself and I'm focused on staying positive, living life and dealing with the changes I will experience as they come", he added.
"I am being well supported by my family, friends and medical professionals and I'm truly grateful to those who, in their time, helped progress research to support others, like me, living with this disease".
After retiring from rugby in 2012, Moody and his wife Annie have worked to raise funds for The Lewis Moody Foundation, which helps to support people affected by brain tumours.
He said: "My plan is to continue with this, but to also create an opportunity to support a charity closer to my current situation".
"I would be so grateful for your help with this and look forward to sharing more, once I am clear on what this looks like".
According research conducted at Durham University, rugby players are especially prone to MND, especially those who have have suffered multiple concussions, and have higher levels of certain proteins in their blood linked to this disease.
Across a stellar career, Lewis Capaldi won 71 caps for England, and as well as appearing in five British and Irish Lions tests. At domestic level, he made 223 appearances for Leicester Tigers, as well as winning seven league titles, from 1996 to 2010.
Paying tribute to Moody, Lions Rugby chair Leuan Evans said: "We are all greatly saddened to hear the news of Lewis Moody's diagnosis."
He added: "As a player, Lewis inspired so many fans during a glittering career".
Geordan Murphy and Leon Lloyd, former team mates of Moody, have launched a fundraiser to help him and his family. This has raised over £29,000 at the time of writing.
