Brian Moore
Brian Moore expressed his thanks to hospital staff as he recovers from a heart attack Getty

Former England rugby international Brian Moore is in intensive care after suffering a heart attack.

As reports about his health began to circulate on social media, Moore, 55, turned to Twitter to share news of his condition and to express his gratitude to staff at St George's Hospital in Tooting, south London after undergoing life-saving treatment.

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He tweeted: "As this is starting to get out - I'm out of ICU of St George's having suffered heart attack. Thanks to the professionals who saved my life."

As fans of the rugby star expressed their support for Moore he joked: "I'm trying to work out whether nearly 5K of likes over the news I've had a heart attack is sympathy or schadenfreude."

The sports star received well-wishes for a speedy recovery from supporters and from the Rugby Football Union, the Lions and World Rugby.

In an international career spanning eight years, Moore won 64 England caps between 1987 and 1995 and also played five times for the British and Irish Lions.

He qualified as a solicitor before becoming a rugby player. Since retiring he has become renowned as a straight-talking sports pundit.