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'He's a bit like Jonny Wilkinson' - Brive president hails Olding after new deal

By Online Editors
Stuart Olding in action for Ulster in October 2016 against Exeter Chiefs.(Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

Stuart Olding has signed a contract extension with French Pro D2 side Brive, just months after joining the club.

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The former Ireland and Ulster centre was sacked by the IRFU after a high-profile rape trial, from which he was acquitted of all charges.

The 25-year-old signed for Brive in May, but he’s made an instant impression starting all six of their league matches so far and has now agreed a deal until the end of the 2019/20 season.

“Stuart has won everyone over, both with his rugby and on a human level” Brive president Simon Gillham said on the club website.

“He’s a bit like Jonny Wilkinson because of his technicality and courage on the ground and by his kindness and humility in everyday life. He is a good example to follow.”

“After three or four days spent in Brive, I already felt like home,” Olding said.

“There is a good group of friends, with very good players. I am quite impressed by the rugby here.

“I was also impressed by the fans, who know how to be heard. I received a really fantastic welcome and for all these reasons, I want to stay in Brive for next year.”

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Bull Shark 2 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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