Munster Rugby ‘in state of shock’

Munster Rugby coach Greig Oliver has died in a paragliding accident in Cape Town, South Africa.

Oliver, 58, was in the country with his wife Fiona to support his son Jack who is part of Ireland’s U20 World Rugby Championship squad.

A former Scotland international who played in two World Cups, Oliver was appointed as Munster Rugby Elite Performance Officer in 2011, playing an instrumental role in developing Munster players for a future in the sport. He also held coaching roles with the Ireland U20s, the Munster As, and the province’s age-grade sides.

Commenting on news of Oliver’s death, Munster Rugby CEO, Ian Flanagan, said: “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.”

IRFU Chief Executive Kevin Potts said: “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.”

Oliver’s passing will cast an even darker shadow over the Ireland U20 squad who are already reeling from the news of the deaths of 18 year olds Andrew O'Donnell and Max Wall of St Michael's College in Dublin where many of the current squad would have studied.

Jack Oliver was due to be part of the Ireland squad who faced Fiji in their last group stage game, but he wasn’t involved in the 42-27 win on Tuesday which means Ireland are into the semi-finals of the U20 World Rugby Championship. Players wore black armbands and observed a minute's silence before the game. Before the match Fiji captain Motikiai Murray presented Ireland captain Diarmuid Mangan with a Fiji jersey as a mark of respect for the players.

Ireland will face hosts South Africa at Cape Town’s Athlone Stadium on Sunday at 3.30pm. They are unbeaten in 10 games, last losing to the Junior Boks in Italy last June. France face England in the other semi-final.

World Rugby chairman 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.”