Jarrod Cunningham, the 33-year-old former London Irish player, has been
diagnosed as suffering from the muscle wasting motor neurone disease.

He discovered he had the illness only last month. It is a rapidly progressive and fatal disease, the cause is unknown and there is no known cure

Jarrod joined London Irish in July 1998 after a successful career in his native New Zealand where he was a trialist for the All Blacks between 1993 and 1995 and represented the New Zealand Maoris between 1996 and 1998.

He played for Hawkes Bay from 1990 to 1997, at Super 12 level he contributed greatly to the performances of Auckland Blues in 1996 and Wellington Hurricanes in 1997/98.

Over three and a half seasons Jarrod played 82 games for London Irish scoring 18 tries and 848 points. The creative and talented out-half or full back was the leading points scorer in the Premiership in 1999/2000 with 324 points.

Speaking on behalf of all at London Irish, the clubs Director of Rugby Conor OShea said: "All of us who played and worked with Jarrod are shocked at the news. That he
competed in the Premiership with this illness less than twelve months ago shows what an outstanding rugby player he was."

Conor continued: "From my personal point of view Jarrod is a valued friend and I will be doing all in my power to ensure he receives all the care and assistance he will require over coming months."

A committee is being formed with help from the Motor Neurone
Disease Association to provide Jarrod with the physical and
financial support he will need in the future. A trust fund will be established shortly and a number of fund-raising events will be organised over coming months.