Jarrod Cunningham (7 September 1968 – 23 July 2007) was a New Zealand rugby union fullback remembered for his prolific point-scoring ability and the courage he displayed in the face of illness.

Born in Hawke’s Bay, Cunningham attended Havelock North High School before embarking on a professional rugby career. From 1990 to 1997 he represented his home province, Hawke’s Bay, making 77 appearances and amassing an impressive 998 points. In 1993 he trialled for the All Blacks, but competition for the fullback role, particularly from Andrew Mehrtens, kept him out of the national side.

Jarrod Cunningham was a points-scoring machine whose consistency made him one of New Zealand’s most reliable backs. By the time he began his second season with the Hurricanes in 1998, he already had 1,338 first-class points to his name for Hawke’s Bay and the Central Vikings. In 1994 he set a record 237 points in a single season for Hawke’s Bay, and in 1997 followed this up with 209 season points for the Central Vikings. Not just a deadly accurate goal kicker, Cunningham was also a regular try-scorer and a versatile backline player, able to slot into multiple positions.

With the advent of Super Rugby, Cunningham played for the Auckland Blues in 1996 and the Wellington Hurricanes in 1997–98, making 12 appearances and scoring 14 points. He also turned out for the Central Vikings in 1997–98, scoring 173 points.

In July 1998, Cunningham moved to England to join London Irish. Over four years he became a key figure at the club, playing 82 games, scoring 18 tries, and racking up 848 points. His finest season came in 2000–01, when he was the Premiership’s leading points scorer with 324. At the start of the 2003 season he transferred to London Wasps, but within the first two days of pre-season training he began to notice problems with his vision, balance, and coordination.

In June 2002, tests at Charing Cross Hospital confirmed the devastating diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a form of motor neurone disease. His playing career ended abruptly, forcing his retirement from all rugby. Despite the blow, Cunningham turned his focus to helping others. In March 2003 he established the Jarrod Cunningham SALSA Foundation, with the goal of providing hope, education, and inspiration for those living with ALS.

His bravery and generosity of spirit were recognised in November 2004 when he was awarded the IRB Spirit of Rugby Award for his work in raising awareness of the disease. Later that year, Cunningham returned home to New Zealand, where he spent his final years surrounded by family and friends.

Jarrod Cunningham passed away at his home in Hawke’s Bay on 23 July 2007, aged 38. He remains remembered as a gifted footballer, a relentless points scorer, and a man whose legacy extended far beyond the rugby field.