Cheetahs utility forward Friedle Olivier says he couldn’t turn down an offer from a Japanese club.
The 32-year-old, who joined the Cheetahs in 2022 from Russian club Enisei-STM, will leave Bloemfontein on Thursday.
His last appearance for the Cheetahs was against Lyon in the Challenge Cup in January, as he then suffered a calf injury.
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On Monday, Olivier said he was grateful for the opportunity given to him by the franchise but simply couldn’t say no to the Japanese club, whose name he couldn’t reveal.
“The club there wants to announce it first and will do it soon,” he told News24.
“It was a tough decision. But it’s an offer I couldn’t turn down. A guy does it for his family.”
Olivier – who played No 8, flank and lock for the Cheetahs – said his performances for the Japanese club would determine whether his contract would be extended.
SA CUP: Three-way split at the summit
The Cheetahs, meanwhile, face the unbeaten Pumas in the SA Cup in Mbombela on Friday, with their team set to be announced on Tuesday.
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