Ireland's tie with Fiji to go ahead amid tragedies

Ireland's game against Fiji in the World Rugby U20 Championship will go ahead this afternoon but the game will be played in the shadow of tragedy after the deaths of one of the player’s fathers and two pupils from St Michael’s College.

Greig Oliver, a former assistant coach with the U20s and a Munster Rugby development official, died yesterday in a paragliding accident.

The 58-year-old former Scotland international was in South Africa supporting his son Jack, who was named in the squad for today’s Pool B match (12.30pm).

Yesterday, head coach Richie Murphy paid tribute to Max Wall and Andrew O'Donnell, who died in separate incidents in Greece.

Six of the U20s panel are former students of the school and knew the two young men who passed away.

Murphy, speaking before the news of Greig Oliver's death, said: "I think the guys are definitely in a little bit of shock, devastated about what's happened. I think that's through the whole squad.

"Obviously, these guys know the young boys a lot better than some of the other members.

"Everyone is in the same sort of position where it's shock. We've our doctor on hand, he's looking after the guys.

"We've had a number of conversations with a couple of them and the guys were obviously very upset yesterday but definitely feeling a little bit better today and probably, not come to terms with it, but clarified what's happening in their heads."

Ireland will wear black armbands as a mark of respect to the deceased.

The team are currently in second place in the group, level on points with England, but a win should be enough to book a semi-final place, either as pool winner or the best placed runner-up.

Meanwhile, Murphy said his side's ability to adapt will be key.

Within a tight timeframe, Murphy has