Greig who was out in South Africa with his wife Fiona supporting their son Jack, as he represented Ireland U20’s in the World Cup, died tragically in a paragliding accident.
Everyone at Mansfield Park is struggling to come to terms with the loss of such a respected, talented, and humble family man.
Having sadly had to write obituaries recently for several great Hawick rugby men, to sit now and try to come to terms with putting pen to paper for a dear friend, who has been taken from his family far to soon, is extremely difficult.
Greig began his rugby career, at Wilton Primary school, where he competed in the much vaunted Keown Trophy under the watchful eye of May Sinclair.
Then on moving up to Hawick High he was coached and mentored by Bill McLaren, who on knowing Greig’s father Lawrie had been a handy scrum half for Hawick Linden, knew exactly where young Oliver’s future lay.
On leaving school Greig joined the Southern Reporter where he worked as a Linotype Operator and Sports Sub Editor.
Greig played briefly for semi junior side Hawick PSA before being picked up by Hawick Trades from where, after a brief period learning his trade at senior level, aged 18 he got the call to head down to Mansfield Park.
His first game for Hawick was against Royal High in 1982, and it must have been quite intimidating walking into the home dressing, to be greeted by the likes of Jim Renwick, Alastair Cranston, Alan Tomes, Sal Campbell and Paul Hogarth. Greig however swiftly settled in, and grew into the Green jersey, quickly making it his own, and in doing so he became an integral part of a very powerful Hawick side at that time.
Indeed it is no coincidence that Hawick won four championship titles back to back between 1983/84 and 1986/87 with Oliver at the base of the scrum.
The consummate professional in an amateur era, Greig worked tirelessly at his game, looking to develop and improve all the time. Indeed, on occasion he could be found outwith training nights, up behind the Volunteer Park with Derrick Grant, working on his box kicking and passing off both hands, in the glow of the streetlights, such was his desire to become a more complete player, and Grant’s recognising Oliver’s potential.
As the ‘Green Machine’ took all before them during the 80’s, Greig unsurprisingly caught the eye of the District selectors and was rewarded by representing the South of Scotland at junior, U21’s, and senior level. Scotland honours at U21’s, and firstly B then A cap level, came in tandem with this South honours, culminating in his winning a coveted first cap against Zimbabwe in the 1987 World Cup, marking the day with a fine try in a convincing 60-21 win, at Wellington in New Zealand. At that time Greig became Hawick’s 50th international cap.
He went on to gain a total of 3 caps for his country, the second against New Zealand in June 1990 while on tour with Scotland, when he came off the bench as Scotland agonisingly just lost out to the All Blacks 21-18. Scotland won the try count that day 2 to 1, but the metronomic Grant Fox edged the game for New Zealand with 5 penalty goals.
Greig’s third cap was at Murrayfield, once again against Zimbabwe in October 1991 when the Scot’s won 51-12.
He was to face Zimbabwe a third time in his career, at Hartsfield, Bulawayo on what was classed as a Scotland Development tour where caps weren’t awarded. That day he single handedly dismantled their defence in a Man of the Match performance, scoring 3 tries in the process. Scotland won 31-10.
Greig toured with Scotland to Japan in 1989, New Zealand in 1990 and North America in 1991. During which time he played 15 of the 24 games, including 5 non-cap internationals.
During the tour to Japan in ‘89, Greig showed his true colours when almost single handedly hauling Scotland over the line in a match they lost 24-28. As the form of others deserted them, he led by example, scoring 5 penalties and a conversion, in the process.
In an era when Scotland had a tremendous wealth of talent at scrum-half, Oliver was vying for the #9 jersey with British Lions and fellow Borderers Roy Laidlaw and Gary Armstrong, and would be destined to sit on the Scottish bench more than 40 times, during a six year period. This being at a time when replacements were only permitted due to injury.
Greig was also invited also travelled with the Baa-Baa’s on their Easter tour to Wales in 1992, during which he played twice. Firstly in the 55-12 victory over Swansea, and also in a hard fought 26-25 victory over Cardiff, a game in which he scored 10 points.
Towards the end of his playing career there was another game of great local significance in which Greig also scored 10 point. During season 1996/97, on his way back from injury, Greig turned out for Hawick Linden, his brother Derek and father Lawrie’s team. The match was a 4th round tie in the recently introduced Scottish Cup against the might of city side Stewarts Melville.
In what was arguable one of the greatest days in the junior clubs history they emerged victors by 15-9, with scrum half Oliver scoring two tries. A very special day for both Greig and brother Derek.
When the time came to hang up his boots, looking to challenge himself further in the game that he loved, (having previously left the Southern Reporter to become a SRU Rugby Development Officer in both the Borders and Dumfries & Galloway), he took on the role of Academy Manger at the SRU, during which time he held the roles of Scotland U21’s Assistant Coach and U20’s Head Coach. Still finding time to get involved at Mansfield Park, where he was part of the set up under Ian Barnes which brought the league title back to the town in 2000/01, then in the following season taking over the coaching reins, he guided the Greens to the unprecedented treble of the Scottish Premiership, Scottish Cup and Border League.
His canny disposition, an astute tactical mind coupled with an ability to connect with players of all ages to bring out the best in them, made him a much prized asset. So when he moved to Limerick in Ireland in 2007, where his wife Fiona is from, he become Director of Rugby at Garryowen, a post he held for four years from 2007 until in 2011, before the Irish Rugby Union came calling.
Having recognised Grieg’s ability he was awarded the post of Elite Performance Officer with Munster rugby Academy in September 2011, a post he held until his untimely death.
In this position he played an instrumental role in developing Munster players for a career in professional rugby, numbering a young Connor Murray as one of the scrum halves he worked closely with.
During this time, he also held coaching roles with Ireland U20’s, Munster ‘A’ and the provinces age grade sides, while still finding time to study for a Masters Degree in Performance Psychology.
Although he had been away from Hawick for 16 years, Greig was always keen to find out the Greens score on a Saturday evening, and he was absolutely delighted to see his home team regain their standing at the top of Scottish club rugby this season.
Greig ultimately played an tremendous 336 games for his beloved Robbie Dyes, over 15 seasons at Mansfield Park between ‘82 & ‘97, and will always be remembered very fondly as one of the finest scrum halves to come out of Hawick. As well as being respected by his opponents and much loved by the Mansfield Park faithful, Greig was a great friend, teammate and colleague to so many, who’s lives were undoubtedly all the richer for knowing him.
Everyone connected with Hawick RFC send their love and heart felt condolences, to Greig’s wife Fiona, their children Jack and Ciara, Greig’s mum Marlene, brother Derek and sister Lyndsay, and their families.
Gone far to soon, but never forgotten. Rest in peace Greig.
