World Rugby statement: Tragic death of ex-Scotland player Greig Oliver

World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont has paid tribute to Greig Oliver, the former Scotland scrum-half who was tragically killed in a paragliding accident in Cape Town on Monday.

The 58-year-old, who won three caps between 1987 and 1991 in an era when replacements were only permitted due to injury, was in South Africa with his family to watch his son Jack play for Ireland at the Junior World Championship.

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.

We gave U20 New Zealand rugby players cameras and let them do whatever they want | Fuel Me

We gave U20 New Zealand rugby players cameras and let them do whatever they want | Fuel Me

“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.”

The 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.

Our thoughts are with Greig's wife Fiona, children Jack and Ciara, and his many friends, family and colleagues.

— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) July 3, 2023

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.”