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Tributes have been paid to Jamaica Rugby Union chairman Jacob Thompson, who died last week.

The International Rugby Board described his death as a huge loss to the game. Thompson, who received the IRB Development Award in 2007, was the driving force behind the considerable growth of rugby across Jamaica and the North America and Caribbean region.

Thompson devoted 40 years of his life to the sport and IRB chairman Bernard Lapasset said: “On behalf of the global rugby family, I would like to express my deepest sadness for the loss of a wonderful servant of the game and a man who dedicated so much time to the development and promotion of the sport that he loved.”

IRB general manager for the North America Caribbean Rugby Association region Tom Jones added: “Jacob was proud to say that rugby is a prominent piece of the fabric of Jamaican society. His achievements were remarkable and epitomised the dedication and devotion of a man who lived and breathed rugby.

“Jacob’s legacy will be extensive. There are now dedicated structures for mixed primary school competitions, boys and girls high school leagues and cups, and senior leagues for men and women across all communities. The game is really taking off.”