A Scottish coach for Munster Rugby, Greig Oliver, has tragically passed away in a paragliding accident while visiting South Africa. Oliver, aged 58, was in Cape Town at the time of the accident, which occurred when his aircraft collided with another in the air. Despite the efforts of emergency services, he could not be saved.
Oliver joined Munster in 2011 and was in South Africa to visit his son Jack Oliver, who is part of Ireland’s under-20 World Rugby Championship playing squad. Before his time with Munster, Oliver served as a director of rugby with Garryowen and was an assistant coach for the Ireland under-20 team from 2011 to 2014. As a player, he represented Scotland in the 1987 and 1991 Rugby World Cups, earning a total of three caps.
Munster Rugby expressed their condolences on their website, with CEO Ian Flanagan describing Oliver as a great colleague and friend who will be dearly missed by the Irish and Munster Rugby community. Flanagan highlighted Oliver’s infectious enthusiasm for the game and his dedication to helping young players both on and off the field.
The CEO of the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU), Kevin Potts, also extended his sympathies to the Oliver family, acknowledging Greig’s significant contribution to the development of young players during his time with Munster Rugby. Potts emphasized the tragedy of the news and offered thoughts for Oliver’s wife, Fiona, children Jack and Ciara, as well as friends, family, and colleagues.
Munster Rugby and the IRFU are providing support and assistance to the Oliver family. The loss of Greig Oliver comes shortly after the death of Andrew O’Donnell and Max Wall, two teens who were on vacation with friends on the Greek island of Ios. O’Donnell and Wall were also students at St Michael’s College in Dublin.
The rugby community mourns the loss of a beloved coach and stalwart of the sport. Greig Oliver’s dedication, passion, and light-hearted nature will be remembered by those whose lives he touched. May he rest in peace.
