World Rugby statement: Tragic death of ex-Scotland star after accident

Tuesday, 04 July 2023 at 07:59

byRugby Rucker

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."

HALFBACKS:

10. Dan Carter (New Zealand)
9. Aaron Smith (New Zealand)

McCaw on Carter: "There are a lot of good players but the guys who did it for a long time and that I've been lucky to play with is Dan Carter. In the final, he was sensational and he's been great for a long time. So to be able to play with him for the years I've been playing was pretty cool."

FRONT-ROW:

1. Tony Woodcock (New Zealand)
2. Dane Coles (New Zealand)
3. Olo Brown (New Zealand)

McCaw on Woodcock: "If you're looking for a night out, stay away from Tony Woodcock or go and see Tony Woodcock. He's been on the same team as me since I was 18, we played in age grade together."

SECOND-ROW:

4. Paul O'Connell (Ireland)
5. Brodie Retallick (New Zealand)

Paul O'Connell of Ireland seen during the Rugby World Cup Pool D match between Italy v Ireland at The Stadium, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on Oct 4th 2015 in London - Photo mandatory by-line: Graeme Truby/Pinnacle - Tel: +44(0)1363 881025 - Mobile:0797 1270 681 - VAT Reg No: 183700120 - SPORT - International Rugby

BACK-ROW:

6. Richard Hill (England)
7. Schalk Burger (South Africa)
8. George Smith (Australia)

McCaw on Hill: “Extremely gifted player who had all the ability in the world to play and run the ball. When England needed someone to dig in he was your man. He had the full tool bag and quietly got on with it.”

McCaw on Smith: Speaking in a Q+A with World Rugby, McCaw's revealed former Wallabies flanker George Smith as the one he feared most on the field, saying Smith "was always pretty tough".