Tragedy as Former Scotland International and Munster Rugby Coaching Official Greig Oliver Dies in Paragliding Accident
It is with great sadness that the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) has announced the passing of Munster Rugby Elite Performance Officer Greig Oliver, following a paragliding accident in South Africa. The 58-year-old former Scotland international was in South Africa to support his son Jack, who is part of the Ireland Under-20 squad at the World Rugby Championship.
Greig Oliver 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. He was an assistant coach of the Ireland U20 side between 2011-14 and held a number of coaching roles with Garryowen, Munster ‘A’ and more recently as Elite Performance Officer, a role he held since 2011.
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.”
Munster Rugby CEO Ian Flanagan also paid tribute to Greig Oliver: “On behalf of Munster Rugby, I would like to express our deepest sympathies to Greig’s wife Fiona, son Jack, daughter Ciara, and the wider Oliver family. We are all in a state of shock following Greig’s tragic passing. He was a great colleague and friend to so many and will be dearly missed across the Munster and Irish Rugby community. Greig made his presence felt each day, he was always there to provide a helping hand and was a hugely popular character with his light-hearted nature and sense of humour. He had an infectious enthusiasm for the game and was incredibly passionate about helping young players be the best they can be on and off the field. May he rest in peace.”
Greig Oliver was capped three times by Scotland and was a highly respected figure in the rugby world. His death is a tragedy for all who knew him and his legacy will live on in the lives of those he helped during his time as a coach. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.
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