Former Ulster and Ireland centre Stuart Olding will be playing for Brive in the PRO D2 next season.
Olding has not been able to find a new club since his Ulster and IRFU contract was revoked last month following a joint internal review between the province and the union in the wake of his acquittal of rape charges at Belfast Crown Court in March.
Olding was previously linked with moves to Sale Sharks and the Exeter Chiefs but both clubs publicly distanced themselves from Olding and former Ulster teammate Paddy Jackson after initial reports linked both players to the respective clubs.
Olding will join former Ulster second-row Jeremy Davidson at Brive next season after the former Ireland and Lions lock took over from head coach Nicolas Godignon earlier this month.
Vous les attendiez, voici les deux premières recrues du CA Brive pour la saison 2018 / 2019 !
🏳️🏴#WEARECAB
👉 https://t.co/EWrptwn1Yn pic.twitter.com/WCrakFXwyp— CA Brive Rugby (@CABCLRUGBY) May 28, 2018
Brive confirmed the signing of Olding with a statement on their website:
“CA Brive is pleased to announce the signatures of Stuart Olding , center, and Otar Giorgadze, for the next two seasons.
“Stuart Olding , 25, started his career as a professional player at Ulster in 2011. Selected with the U-20s from Ireland to play in a World Cup and a 6 Nations Tournament, he then has four selections with the XV of Trefoil [Ireland national team]. Versatile player, he evolves in the center and can also cover the back post. He will continue his career in Brive for the next two seasons.”
Davidson worked as the Bordeaux-Bègles forwards coach last season but said that he cannot wait to rebuild what he sees as one of the biggest clubs in France.
“I am very proud to join the CAB,” said Davidson following his appointment earlier this month.
“My motivation is flawless. I can not wait to rebuild and move on with Brive, who is a team with a big heart for me. The club is one of the largest in this country.”
