Irish support Cunningham in illness battle

Former London Irish full-back Jarrod Cunningham has been diagnosed as suffering from motor neurone disease.

The New Zealander underwent a series of tests at London’s Charing Cross hospital after consulting a neurologist and other specialists.

Cunningham first felt changes to his body early in the year but the full extent of his illness only became clear last month.

Motor neurone disease is the name given to a group of related diseases affecting the motor neurones in the brain and spinal cord.

Degeneration of the motor neurones leads to weakness and wasting of muscles and is a steadily progressive disease for which there is no known cure.

The club, who enjoyed their best season ever last year, winning the Powergen Cup and qualifying for the Heineken Cup, have given Cunningham their full support.

Director of rugby Conor O’Shea 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 12 months ago shows what an outstanding rugby player he was.

‘‘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 the coming months.’’

A committee is being formed with help from the Motor Neurone Disease Association to provide Cunningham with physical and financial support while the club are planning a number of fund-raising events of their own.

Cunningham, a former New Zealand Maori, was a member of the 1996 Super 12 champions Auckland Blues before switching to play two seasons for the Wellington Hurricanes.

The 33-year-old then joined London Irish in 1999 and was the leading scorer in the Premiership in his debut season, finishing with 324 points.

Cunningham made 82 appearances for the Exiles but only 11 last season.