Tributes are being paid to Munster rugby coach Greig Oliver who has died in a horror paragliding accident in Cape Town.
The 58-year-old married dad-of-two was a former international scrum-half for Scotland, playing in two Rugby World Cups.
He moved to Ireland with his family in 2007 and in 2011 assumed the role of Elite Player Development Officer with the Munster Rugby Academy, playing an instrumental role in developing Munster players for life in professional rugby.
He also held coaching roles with the Ireland U20s, the Munster ‘A’s, and the province’s age-grade sides.
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Prior to his EPDO role Greig worked with Garryowen FC where he held the role of Director of Rugby.
The devoted family man was hugely proud of his children’s sporting achievements as Jack followed in his footsteps by pursuing a career in rugby while daughter Ciara excelled at Gaelic football.
He was in South Africa with his wife Fiona in support of their son Jack and the Ireland U20s squad playing in the World Rugby U20 Championship when tragedy struck and he passed away on Monday afternoon.
Tributes are being paid from Munster Rugby and the IRFU, who are “deeply saddened and shocked to learn of the sudden passing of their dear friend and colleague”.
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.
“May he rest in peace.”
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 and the IRFU are liaising directly with Greig’s family, providing them with any assistance and support required at this time.
