Munster Rugby coach Greig Oliver has been identified as the paraglider who was fatally injured in an accident in Cape Town yesterday afternoon.
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In a statement following the incident, World Rugby expressed its sadness at the tragic passing of the 58-year-old who was killed when his tandem glider collided with another paraglider in Sea Point.
Oliver represented Scotland in the 1987 Rugby World Cup as a player before earning a reputation as an accomplished coach of young players with Ireland ‘A’, Ireland U20 between 2011 and 2014, and more recently with Munster.
He was the father of Ireland U20 scrumhalf Jack Oliver, whom he was supporting with his family at the World Rugby U20 Championship.
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‘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,’ said World Rugby chairperson Sir Bill Beaumont.
‘All the players at the World Rugby U20 Championship stand in solidarity with Jack, his team-mates 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.’
Meanwhile, Munster also expressed its condolences to Oliver’s family and the rugby fraternity at large.
‘On behalf of Munster Rugby, I would like to express our deepest sympathies to Greig’s wife Fiona, son Jack, daughter Ciara, and the wider Oliver family,’ said club CEO Ian Flanagan.
‘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.’
‘He had an infectious enthusiasm for the game and was incredibly passionate about helping young players be the best they can be on and off the field.’
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Paraglider crashes into ocean near Winchester Hotel in Sea Point
Picture: @GarryowenFC / Twitter