Sharks snap up Olivier
October 21 2008
The Sharks have added to their fly-half options with the signing of former Blue Bulls and Valke pivot Len Olivier on a two-year contract.
The 22-year-old playmaker, who represented the Blue Bulls at age group levels before moving on to seek further development, has taken the place of departing Frenchman Frédéric Michalak.
And an excited Olivier admitted that stepping up to the Super 14 side's open style is something he will relish over the coming seasons.
"Moving to the Valke was a stepping stone to getting into a bigger union again," the Pretoria-born man said, speaking to the Sharks website.
"It was a short-term goal and then I would hopefully play Super 14 rugby and go forward from there.
"I've always respected the Sharks and love their style of play, so I think I'll fit in nicely with the way they play, a style that suits me well. This is a very good team, the Union is so professional and I've always looked up to them."
Olivier is set to join the Sharks for pre-season training later in the year. However, there is a long-term plan of personal development for the number ten, who has fully bought into the scheme after a talk with the Sharks management.
"When I met with coaches John Plumtree and Grant Bashford, they told me they had a two-year plan, that I'd definitely be in the mix in the Currie Cup next year and in 2010, the Super 14," he continued.
"But it's up to me how I develop in the coming season - if I play Super 14 or not.
"They identified a couple of areas for me to work on and if they think I'm ready, I'll play, but it is one of my goals to play in next year's Super 14.
"I'm blessed to have a contract with such a good union, especially now as they are top of the Currie Cup.
"I've managed to become a big Sharks supporter over the last month or two, it's a young team, I would like to develop my skill level with them and I'm very excited with the prospect of joining them.
"There are guys with great experience already and I can't wait to play with world class players, that can only make me a better player and I can definitely learn a lot from them."