Former Scotland international dies in accident in South Africa

Former Scotland international and Munster Rugby Elite Performance Officer Greig Oliver died following an accident in South Africa on Monday.

According to reports he died in a paragliding incident near Cape Town.

He was a former Scotland international with a strong involvement in Munster Rugby, having held various coaching roles with Garryowen, Munster ‘A,’ and most recently serving as the Elite Performance Officer since 2011. From 2011 to 2014, Greig also worked as an assistant coach for the Ireland U20 side.

Oliver was with family in South Africa supporting his son Jack, who plays as the scrum-half for the Ireland U20 team.

Commenting on the news, IRFU Chief Executive Kevin Potts said; “On behalf of the Irish rugby community, I would like to extend my sincere condolences to the Oliver family at this extremely sad time.

“Greig was a hugely popular member of staff and played a key role in the development of many young players during his time at Munster Rugby.

“Today’s news is an unspeakable tragedy and our thoughts are with Greig’s wife Fiona, children Jack and Ciara, and his many friends, family and colleagues. May he rest in peace.”

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: “On behalf of World Rugby and the global rugby family, I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to the Oliver family, the Ireland U20 squad and the Irish rugby community at this difficult time.

“All the players at the World Rugby U20 Championship stand in solidarity with Jack, his team-mates and the Oliver family and a moment’s silence will be observed across all of Tuesday’s matches as a mark of respect. We have also offered our full support to the Ireland team in South Africa.”