London Irish are mourning the death of their former player Jarrod Cunningham, who has died at his home in New Zealand following a five-year battle with motor neurone disease.

The 38-year-old's career with Irish - between 1998 and 2002 - saw him amass more than 800 points and he was the English Premiership's top scorer in the season 1999-2000.

An All Black trialist in 1993 and 1995, he also played for New Zealand Maori and scored 1,000 points for his province, Hawkes Bay. Cunningham also had Super 12 experience with Auckland Blues and Wellington Hurricanes.

A fullback or outhalf, Cunningham retired in 2002, returning home to New Zealand and setting up the Jarrod Cunningham Charitable Trust, which raised money for motor neurone treatment.

The day before he died, Cunningham officially opened refurbished clubrooms at his local Havelock North Rugby Club.

"He was competitive in everything he did," said Havelock coach Murdoch Paewai. "He enjoyed running the ball - he didn't like to kick - and if he ran it he wanted us there for support. We got used to it."

Damian Hopley, the chief executive of the Professional Rugby Players' Association in England, paid tribute.

"Jarrod was an inspiration to all those who were fortunate enough to meet him, and the entire rugby community has lost a great player and great friend," he said.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, team-mates and friends."