Munster Rugby 'Deeply Saddened' Following Death Of Greig Oliver

Munster Rugby is in mourning following the tragic death of elite performance officer Greg Oliver, who died in a tragic paragliding accident in Cape Town.

Oliver was travelling to South Africa with his family to support his son Jack , who is part of the Ireland Under 20 squad at the current World Rugby Under 20 Championship. 

Having worked in his role with the provence since 2011, Greig Oliver also served as a director of Rugby for Garryowen, along with assistant coach for the Ireland Under 20 Rugby side from 2011 to 2014.

Oliver also enjoyed a successful playing career, having featured for Scotland at two World Cups in 1987 and 1991. 

Paying tribute to Greig Oliver, Munster Rugby tweeted this.

💔 Shocked & deeply saddened by the sudden passing of our close friend & colleague Greig Oliver.

Our immediate thoughts are with Greig's wife Fiona, children Jack & Ciara, & the wider Oliver family.

May he rest in peace 🌹

— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) July 3, 2023

The provence's chief executive Ian Flanagan also paid homage to 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", he said. "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 continued, "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". 

"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 also commented, "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", he added. "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". 

World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont also tweeted, "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". 

Greig Oliver was 58 years old.