Former Scotland international scrumhalf and current Munster Rugby Elite player development officer Greig Oliver tragically passed away today.
Father to Ireland U20 scrumhalf Jack, Greig was in South Africa as an assistant coach to the Ireland U20s during their World Rugby U20 Championship campaign.
Whilst on an excursion with other parents of Irish players, Mr Oliver was involved in a mid-air collision paragliding accident.
Releasing a statement IRFU chief executive Kevin Potts said of the incident:
“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.”
A full statement from the IRFU read: “The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Munster Rugby Elite Performance Officer Greig Oliver following an accident in South Africa on Monday.
“A former Scotland international, Greig was steeped in Munster Rugby in recent years and held a number of coaching roles with Garryowen, Munster ‘A’ and more recently as Elite Performance Officer, a role he held since 2011.
“He was also assistant coach of the Ireland U20 side between 2011-14. Greig was the father of Ireland U20 scrum-half Jack, whom he was supporting in South Africa alongside his family.”
Mr Oliver’s tragic passing comes a day after two Irish teenagers who were closely linked to several players in the Irish squad passed away in Greece.
Thoughts are with all of those affected by these devastating events.
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