Bulls open door for Olivier's move
Veteran Springbok Wynand Olivier will join the growing queue the Loftus Versfeld exit door.
The Blue Bulls Company (Pty) Ltd has agreed to release Olivier in order for the Bulls and Bok centre to take up an offer with French club Montpellier.
Olivier’s contact expires on October 31, but the BBC agreed to a request from Olivier for an earlier release date.
Olivier will still be available for selection to the Bulls in the Super Rugby tournament till June 29 before leaving for France.
Having played for the Bulls at all levels – as schoolboy and being part of winning squads in the Vodacom Cup, Currie Cup and Super Rugby tournaments and a member of the 2007 Springbok World Cup winning team, Olivier career has had a glittering career filled with highlights and successes.
He is currently the most capped South African centre in Super Rugby, having played in 109 matches for the Bulls and his professionalism was evident all the way through, according to the BBC High Performance Manager, Xander Janse van Rensburg.
"The discussion with Wynand and his possible move to Montpellier was transparent from the start and all parties were happy with the way the final negotiations were concluded," Janse van Rensburg said.
Bulls coach Frans Ludeke agreed to the release and praised the contribution made by Olivier over a decade.
"There is nothing left for Wynand to achieve in South African rugby and we understand his need to spread his wings. He has given 10 years of his life to the Blue Bulls and never put himself ahead of the team or his team mates. He is a true professional and will leave a legacy of professionalism and performance," Ludeke said.
Olivier indicated that his work is done here.
"I had offers to leave in 2011, but felt that I had to stay a while longer to help bring through the next batch of youngsters. I think I managed that and felt that I could play a mentoring role as a senior player. I wanted to leave a legacy and feel I have managed that for the next group."
