Olivier Merle

Olivier Merle (born 14 November 1965 in Chamalières, Puy-de-Dôme) is a former French rugby union footballer. He played as a lock. He was known by several nicknames, including "La Merluche" and "Le Massif Central". He was known for his violent play and after headbutting Ricky Evans the Welsh prop in Paris causing a ruck to collapse on him breaking his ankle, resulted in his being sued successfully in the courts for damages. This was the first case of its kind and BBC video evidence was used in court. After that he never played for France again.

Merle started his career at ASM Clermont Auvergne, moving then to RC Vichy.

A French championship Title private following a refereeing error with Grenoble 1993

He also would play for FC Grenoble and despite overpowering pack called the Mammoths of Grenoble[1] his club tilts on the score of 14-11.[2] A try of Olivier Brouzet is denied to Grenoble[3] and the decisive try by Gary Whetton was awarded by the referee, Daniel Salles, when in fact the defender Franck Hueber from Grenoble touched down the ball first in his try zone. This error gave the title to Castres.[4] Salles admitted the error 13 years later.[5][6][7] Jacques Fouroux the coach of FC Grenoble in conflict with the Federation and who was already suspicious before the match of the referee[8] cry out conspiracy.[9]

He returns for ASM Clermont Auvergne at the season of 1995/96, where he would stay until 1999/2000. He then moved to RC Narbonne for two seasons, from 2000/01 to 2001/02. His final season was spent at Stade Aurillacois, in 2002/03.

The French lock had 45 caps for France, scoring 6 tries, 30 points in aggregate, from 1993 to 1997. He was selected for the 1995 Rugby World Cup, playing all the five matches. He played four times at the Five Nations, in 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1997, winning it the last time, with a Grand Slam.

Honours

French premiership:

References
  1. "Pro D2. Auch. La chasse aux mammouths est ouverte". www.ladepeche.fr. October 18, 2008. Retrieved March 25, 2019.
  2. "Castres et " la magie du rugby "". www.republicain-lorrain.fr. 3 June 2013. Retrieved 21 August 2013.
  3. "Combien de fois Bayonne s'est imposé dans la capitale ?". www.rugbyrama.fr. Midi olympique. 3 January 2013. Retrieved 21 August 2013.
  4. "MICHEL RINGEVAL (PART 2): " AU BOUT D'UN QUART D'HEURE, J'AI COMPRIS QU'ON NE GAGNERAIT PAS"". lesportdauphinois.com. November 19, 2016. Retrieved March 25, 2019.
  5. "Gerry Thornley: Grenoble's Jackman fast becoming one of top Irish coaches". irishtimes. April 12, 2016. Retrieved March 25, 2019.
  6. "Daniel Salles à propos de Castres-Grenoble en 1993 : " Je me suis trompé "". sudouest. 1 June 2013. Retrieved 24 October 2013.
  7. "Parc des Princes, Paris, 5 Juin 1993". LNR. 28 December 2004. Retrieved 24 October 2012.
  8. Salviac, Pierre (9 September 2015). Merci pour ces moments: 50 ans de grands reportages. books.google.fr. ISBN 9791093463247. Retrieved March 25, 2019.
  9. "Top 14: Toulon-Castres, souviens-toi, il y a vingt ans..." www.lepoint.fr. June 1, 2013. Retrieved March 25, 2019.


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