A message from Mark Coups, England Lacrosse CEO, following the recent passing of former lacrosse coach and administrator, Tom Hayes.

I would like to share my personal thoughts following the death of Tom Hayes who sadly passed away earlier this week.

Tom is certainly someone who would be classed as a legend of the sport; from both his 25 years of coaching, and through his decades of work leading the administration of game.

The reaction to Tom’s passing has shown just how highly regarded he was within the international lacrosse community, and as a friend to so many within the sport.

He was highly influential in the formation of the international organisations for our sport, first with the International Lacrosse Federation, and then subsequently, in bringing our governing bodies together and putting many of our modern, professional structures in place.

Tom was also great supporter of the sport in England and furthermore, the overall expansion of the international game as we know it today.

He had an enduring passion for the game that was obvious to all, and he put this love of lacrosse into improving the sport all across the world.

Tom worked to advance lacrosse's goal of returning to the Olympics, and we will continue to see in the coming years the true legacy that he has given to the sport as lacrosse continues its advancements on the world stage.

We have lost true figure within the sport whose enthusiasm and ability to inspire will be greatly missed, but his contributions to lacrosse will continue to last.

Finally, I would like to say that my thoughts are with Tom’s family and friends at this time, and on behalf of England Lacrosse I would like to pass on our sincere condolences.