Munster elite performance officer Greig Oliver dies in paragliding accident

Dylan Coetzee
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Munster's Thomond Park stadium

Former Scotland scrum-half Greig Oliver has tragically passed away in a paragliding accident in Cape Town at the age of 58.

Munster’s elite performance officer was in South Africa with his family to follow his son’s journey with Ireland at the World Rugby U20 Championship in the Western Cape.

Oliver represented Scotland on three occasions and twice at the Rugby World Cup, with one appearance in the 1987 and 1991 tournaments, both against Zimbabwe.

Shock

Munster chief executive Ian Flanagan responded to the tragic news and highlighted what a wonderful character Oliver was.

“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,” Flanagan said.

“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.”

An influential figure

Chief executive of the Irish Rugby Football Union, Kevin Potts, echoed Flanagan’s sentiments and offered condolences to the family.

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 tweeted his condolences and expressed his sympathies.

“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.”

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