There's shock and great sadness in Irish rugby circles this evening as Greig Oliver - a former Scotland international and a Munster Rugby Elite Performance Officer - has passed away in South Africa.
Oliver played scrum-half for Scotland and featured in the 1987 Rugby World Cup.
He was a coach with the Ireland U20s from 2011-2014. In 2011, he also took a role with Munster Academy.
He was also a former director of rugby with Garryowen in Limerick.
Oliver was in South Africa for the U20 Rugby World Cup. His son Jack is a member of the Ireland squad competing in the tournament, and Jack made his first appearance for the Ireland U20s in last Thursday's win over Australia.
Munster Rugby say that Oliver passed away in a tragic paragliding accident.
The IRFU released a statement confirming the tragic news.
CEO Kevin Potts said in the statement:
"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.”
Munster CEO Ian Flanagan also extended sympathies from the club to Oliver's family.
“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.
“Greig made his presence felt each day, he was always there to provide a helping hand and was a hugely popular character with his light-hearted nature and sense of humour.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
