Northern Edition

Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

World Rugby statement: Tragic death of ex-Scotland player Greig Oliver

(Photo by Thinus Maritz/Gallo Pictures for World Rugby)

World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont has paid tribute to Greig Oliver, the former Scotland scrum-half who was tragically killed in a paragliding accident in Cape Town on Monday.

ADVERTISEMENT

The 58-year-old, who won three caps between 1987 and 1991 in an era when replacements were only permitted due to injury, was in South Africa with his family to watch his son Jack play for Ireland at the Junior World Championship.

A statement read: “World Rugby is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Munster Rugby elite performance officer Greig Oliver following an accident in South Africa.

Video Spacer

We gave U20 New Zealand rugby players cameras and let them do whatever they want | Fuel Me

Video Spacer

We gave U20 New Zealand rugby players cameras and let them do whatever they want | Fuel Me

“As a player, Greig competed in the inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1987 for Scotland before establishing a reputation as a talented coach of up-and-coming talent with Ireland A, Ireland U20 between 2011-14, and more recently with Munster. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

“Greig was the father of Ireland U20 scrum-half Jack Oliver, whom he was supporting with his family at the World Rugby U20 Championship.”

World Rugby chairman 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 teammates 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.”

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

LIVE

{{item.title}}

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

1 Comment
L
Luis 493 days ago

descanse en paz.

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

R
RedWarrior 2 hours ago
'Sorry Ireland, we didn't need to get motivated playing you': All Blacks great

From Peter O’Mahony’s comments to Sam Cane to Reiko Ioane’s message to Johnny Sexton last year, this is now a Test with a lot of “spice”, to which Brooke believes “if you’re going to give it out, you’ve got to take it as well.”


I think "Arrogance" is the word here.

Sledging during the match is not the same as abusing players and spectators after the final whistle.

As well as that being a nastily arrogant act, NZs inability to admit when they get things wrong is a further symptom of entitlement and arrogance.

Mocking beaten players and spectators is wrong: even when the "Great All Blacks" no ifs, no buts.

Remember NZ were too big to have a beer with a team they didn't rate, never mind swap a jersey. Perhaps time these "Humble Heroes" were brought down to earth a bit.

A truly global game like soccer, where everybody plays, and the winners are truly world class: they shake hands, they swap jerseys, they respect opponents.

1 Go to comments
LONG READ
LONG READ Why the Boks are the kings of clutch...and Ireland aren’t far off Why the Boks are the kings of clutch...and Ireland aren’t far off
Search