Tragedy for Irish hero Jarrod

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

The New Zealander felt the first effects earlier this year but the full extent of his illness became clear only last month. There is no cure for the disease, which leads to progressive wasting of the muscles but without affecting mental capabilities.

Irish's director of rugby Conor O'Shea said:'All of us are shocked.That he competed with this illness just a year ago shows what an outstanding player he was.'

A former New Zealand Maori, Cunningham played for Super 12 champions Auckland in 1996 and joined London Irish in 1998. He was the leading scorer in the Premiership in his debut season, finishing with 324 points, before leaving for Wasps last season. Leicester have unveiled three new signings - Toulouse prop Franck Tournaire, Munster scrum half Tom Tierney and Wales Under-19 hooker Rhys Williams.