Friedle has previously represented the Valke in the First Division, however, he is yet to play in the Premier Division.

Olivier joined the Cheetahs from Russia at the conclusion of the previous season and he has impressed whether playing at lock or at loose-forward.

The hard-grating forward told OFM Sport that it’s every boy's dream to play in the world’s oldest and toughest domestic competition.

“It is every boys dream to play for a big union and to play in the oldest domestic rugby tournament in the world,” said the player with a big engine.

“It's not just the oldest domestic tournament, it is also the toughest domestic tournament.

“I'm very excited and I cannot way to add that achievement to my rugby CV if I can put it that way.

“It has been a life-long dream for me.”

In just a handful of games for the Cheetahs Olivier has been named as the man of the match on two occasions. 

He first achieved it during the Toyota Challenge derby against the Griquas in Bloemfontein, while in the match after that we scooped up the accolade in the European Challenge Cup against Section Paloise in Pau, France.

The Cheetahs will kick-off their 2023 Currie Cup campaign on 11 March against the Griquas in Kimberley.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport