John Cunningham (rugby league)
John Cunningham | |
|---|---|
| Born | March 3, 1952 Barrow-in-Furness, Lancashire, England |
| Occupation | Rugby league footballer (retired) |
| Years active | 1970s–1980s |
| Known for | Playing for England, Cumbria, Barrow, Balmain Tigers, Hull Kingston Rovers, Workington Town |
John Cunningham (born 3 March 1952) is a retired English professional rugby league player who competed during the 1970s and 1980s. At the representative level, he played for both England and Cumbria. His club career included stints with Barrow, Balmain Tigers, Hull Kingston Rovers, Workington Town, as well as teams like Roose Pioneers and Salford 'A'. Additionally, Cunningham appeared for the Cooma Stallions alongside Dane Carter and represented the Corporation Combine—currently known as Hindpool Tigers—within the North West Men's League. His primary positions on the field were prop, second-row, and loose forward.
Background
Born in Barrow-in-Furness, Lancashire, England, John Cunningham began his journey in rugby league in his hometown.
International honours
While playing for Barrow, Cunningham earned international caps for England in 1975, competing against France and Wales.
County honours
He also had the distinction of representing the county side, Cumbria.
BBC2 Floodlit Trophy Final appearances
Cunningham featured as a key player in the Hull Kingston Rovers squad that secured a 26–11 victory over St. Helens during the 1977–78 BBC2 Floodlit Trophy Final held at Craven Park, Hull on 13 December 1977.
Notable tour matches
He made an impactful debut for Barrow, scoring a try despite their 10–14 defeat to the touring New Zealand side at Craven Park, Barrow-in-Furness on 4 November 1970.
Club career
Cunningham began his club career with Barrow in July 1970, concluding his tenure there with a match against Huddersfield at Craven Park on 14 March 1975. Shortly thereafter, on 17 July 1975, he transferred to Hull Kingston Rovers for a fee of £6,000 (equivalent to approximately £64,780 in 2013). His time at Hull Kingston Rovers was hampered by knee injuries which restricted his playing opportunities. In 1980, he moved on to join Workington Town, with a transfer fee of £18,000 (around £98,020 in 2013).
Genealogical information
John Cunningham is married to Julie and is the uncle of rugby league athletes Liam Harrison and Ben Harrison.
Outside of rugby league
Beyond his sporting career, Cunningham has managed several hospitality venues in Barrow-in-Furness, including The Derby Hotel located at 246–248 Dalton Road, The Furness Hotel at 13 Bath Street—which has since been renamed Cunningham's—and The Old Bank situated at 107–109 Duke Street.