ACHIEVEMENTS & MILESTONES
Discover the remarkable achievements of our featured athletes. From record-breaking performances to prestigious awards, each milestone tells a story of dedication and perseverance.
-
SA U/20 Rugby
2022
POSITION:
Flank
CLUB TEAM:
Kubota Spears (Japan)
HOMETOWN:
Bloemfontein
DOB:
October 9, 2002
CATEGORY:
Challenger
SPORTING CODE:
Rugby
Merwe Olivier, born on October 9, 2002, in South Africa, is a 22-year-old rugby union backrow known for his imposing physical presence and lineout prowess. Standing at 1.94m (6'4") and weighing 108kg (238lbs), Olivier has quickly progressed from a standout schoolboy talent to a professional player in international leagues, showcasing versatility in the second row and occasionally as a blindside flanker.
Olivier's rugby foundation was built at Grey College in Bloemfontein, one of South Africa's elite rugby schools, where he played three years for the 1st XV team from around 2019 to 2021. During his schoolboy days, he was hailed as one of the biggest prospects in South African rugby, earning nicknames like "the monster of 2021" for his dominant performances.
Transitioning to senior rugby, Olivier joined the Blue Bulls in 2021, where he developed through their academy and Currie Cup structures until 2023. He made his mark in the Currie Cup 2023 season, logging 561 minutes, scoring 3 tries (15 points), making 3 line breaks, and carrying the ball 52 times, demonstrating his attacking threat from the lock position. In 2023, he stepped up to the Vodacom Bulls senior side, competing in the United Rugby Championship (URC) and Champions Cup until 2024. His Champions Cup exposure in the 2023/24 season included 2 appearances totalling 10 minutes, providing valuable experience against top European clubs. Overall, during his Bulls tenure, Olivier balanced starting roles (primarily at lock) with impactful bench contributions, starting 67% of his lock appearances.
In 2024, Olivier made a significant career shift overseas, signing with Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo Bay in Japan's Rugby League One, where he continues to play as a Category B import player. In the 2024/25 Division 1 season, he has already notched 15 matches (including playoffs), scoring 3 tries for 15 points across 564 minutes, with highlights including tries in Rounds 1, 12, and 18, plus appearances in the quarterfinals and third-place match. The team recorded 12 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses in his outings, underscoring his role in a competitive squad.
Olivier's rugby foundation was built at Grey College in Bloemfontein, one of South Africa's elite rugby schools, where he played three years for the 1st XV team from around 2019 to 2021. During his schoolboy days, he was hailed as one of the biggest prospects in South African rugby, earning nicknames like "the monster of 2021" for his dominant performances.
Transitioning to senior rugby, Olivier joined the Blue Bulls in 2021, where he developed through their academy and Currie Cup structures until 2023. He made his mark in the Currie Cup 2023 season, logging 561 minutes, scoring 3 tries (15 points), making 3 line breaks, and carrying the ball 52 times, demonstrating his attacking threat from the lock position. In 2023, he stepped up to the Vodacom Bulls senior side, competing in the United Rugby Championship (URC) and Champions Cup until 2024. His Champions Cup exposure in the 2023/24 season included 2 appearances totalling 10 minutes, providing valuable experience against top European clubs. Overall, during his Bulls tenure, Olivier balanced starting roles (primarily at lock) with impactful bench contributions, starting 67% of his lock appearances.
In 2024, Olivier made a significant career shift overseas, signing with Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo Bay in Japan's Rugby League One, where he continues to play as a Category B import player. In the 2024/25 Division 1 season, he has already notched 15 matches (including playoffs), scoring 3 tries for 15 points across 564 minutes, with highlights including tries in Rounds 1, 12, and 18, plus appearances in the quarterfinals and third-place match. The team recorded 12 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses in his outings, underscoring his role in a competitive squad.
