Former England captain and 2003 Rugby World Cup winner Lewis Moody has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease.
The 47-year-old told the BBC of his diagnosis on Monday, two weeks after being given the news.
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"There's something about looking the future in the face and not wanting to really process that at the minute," he said.
"It's not that I don't understand where it's going. We understand that. But there is absolutely a reluctance to look the future in the face for now."
Ex-Scotland rugby international Doddie Weir and former Great Britain rugby league Test player Rob Burrow have died from the illness in recent years.
AFL great Neale Daniher, the 2025 Australian of the Year, has been a prominent advocate for medical research concerning the disease after being diagnosed in 2013.
"You're given this diagnosis of MND and we're rightly quite emotional about it, but it's so strange because I feel like nothing's wrong," Moody said.
"I don't feel ill. I don't feel unwell.
"My symptoms are very minor. I have a bit of muscle wasting in the hand and the shoulder.
"I'm still capable of doing anything and everything. And hopefully that will continue for as long as is possible."
Moody won 71 caps for England and five for the British and Irish Lions, while he was a seven-time title winner with Leicester.
He played in all seven matches as England won the 2003 World Cup in Australia and, in the final against the hosts, won the line-out which led to Jonny Wilkinson's winning drop goal.
"We are all deeply saddened and distressed to learn that Lewis Moody has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease," said Bill Sweeney, CEO of the Rugby Football Union.
"Lewis represented England, the British and Irish Lions and his clubs Leicester Tigers and Bath Rugby with both brilliance and distinction - one of the toughest and most fearless players ever to don a backrow shirt in the game, earning the respect and admiration of team-mates, opponents, and supporters alike all over the world.
"His contribution to rugby, both on and off the field, reflects the very best of our sport's values.
"Our thoughts are with Lewis and his family and friends at this very difficult time as they come to terms with this diagnosis and I know the entire rugby community stands with them and will support them."
