Wednesday, November 25 2009

LESLIE FIGARO, president of the Trinidad and Tobago Rugby Football Union (TTRFU) has described the death of Jacob Thompson, chairman of the Jamaica Rugby Union (JRU) as “a great loss” to Caribbean Rugby.

Figaro said Thompson, who was found murdered at his Calabar Mews, Kingston home last Thursday, had a deep passion and dedication for rugby, Jamaica, and the use of the sport as a tool to address the ills and challenges faced by inner -city and high risk youth.

“Always outspoken, never afraid to speak his mind, and share his thoughts and ideas, his determination to change the perception of rugby as an elitist and ex-pat sport stood out.

“His determination may have been misunderstood at times, but the man’s love for rugby and Jamaica was unquestioned. The tragic circumstances of his death are deeply troubling. I extend, on behalf of the TTRFU, our profound condolences to his family, friends and the Jamaican rugby fraternity. Caribbean rugby will be poorer for his passing.”

The TT Rugby chief had planned to meet his Jamaican colleague in Dublin, Ireland, at the International Rugby Board (IRB) General Assembly scheduled for November 28 and 29.