World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont expressed his condolences for Greig Oliver, the former Scotland scrum-half who tragically lost his life in a paragliding accident in Cape Town on Monday.
At 58 years old, Oliver had proudly represented Scotland, earning three caps between 1987 and 1991 during a time when replacements were only allowed in case of injury. He had traveled to South Africa with his family to support his son Jack, who was competing for Ireland in the Junior World Championship. This devastating incident has left the rugby community mourning the loss of a talented player and beloved individual.
A statement read: “World Rugby is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Munster Rugby elite performance officer Greig Oliver following an accident in South Africa.
“As a player, Greig competed in the inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1987 for Scotland before establishing a reputation as a talented coach of up-and-coming talent with Ireland A, Ireland U20 between 2011-14, and more recently with Munster. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
“Greig was the father of Ireland U20 scrum-half Jack Oliver, whom he was supporting with his family at the World Rugby U20 Championship.”
World Rugby chairman 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 teammates 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.”
RICHIE MCCAW DREAM TEAM:
BACK-THREE:
- 15. Christian Cullen (New Zeland)
- 14. Julian Savea (New Zealand)
- 11. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)
McCawon Lomu: “When I first became an All Black he was in the team. To play alongside a guy you have watched as a young fella was pretty amazing. He made me look silly in training more than once.
“He is one of the absolute superstars of rugby. If you go to somewhere where rugby is perhaps not well known then the one guy they do know is Jonah. It’s really sad that he’s passed away at age 40. He was a legend of the All Blacks and a legend of rugby,”
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CENTRES:
- 13. Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand)
- 12. Jonny Wilkinson (England)
McCaw on Wilkinson: “He’ll go down as one of the greats of world rugby.”
