The halfback is a multi-talented sportsman and represents his alma mater and the Free State in age group rugby and cricket.

Recently the Cheetahs contracted George Cronjé (Clermont), Marcell Muller and Lesley Botha (both from Montpellier). All three of them played with Oliver for the Grey 1st XV last year, while Cronjé and Botha, played in the 2019 Craven Week with him.

Oliver has an educated boot and often took the goal kicking duties, and furthermore his kicking game from the set-piece will be a benefit to the Cheetahs.

The 18-year-old told OFM Sport that he looks forward to playing with his former teammates again, and also to learn from the World Cup-winning Springbok, Ruan Pienaar.

“I can’t wait to start playing with George, Les and them and starting making some new memories again.

“Ruan is an inspirational player and with all of his experience, I cannot wait to learn and listen to what he has to say. I can’t want to see how does things and in which way he practices.”

As an all-round sportsman, Oliver, admitted that it was a tough decision to choose between cricket and rugby, but he had guidance from the former Proteas all-rounder, Ryan McLaren.

“It was a tough one because cricket has been amazing to me, and rugby as well. Luckily I had my coach, Ryan McLaren, to speak to every day, and he told me that the one I enjoy the most would just come to me. In the end, it was rugby that came my way and I can’t wait to start my career at the Free State.”

For now, his goals are to work hard and stay humble, and hopefully, it will guide him to the top.

“My goals are to train as hard as I can and to be the best in my position through hard work. Staying humble is also right up there and hopefully, I will reach the top one day.”

Cheetahs coach, Hawies Fourie, in his turn told OFM Sport that he has known Oliver since he was in primary school and he welcomes the addition of the skilled sportsman.

“I’ve known him since he was in primary school. My youngest son played with and against him in the U13 Free State Craven Week team. They also played cricket with and against each since primary school, so I’ve known him since he was a little boy.

“He was always very talented. He is a very good cricketer and an exceptional rugby player.

“We are glad to have been able to sign him. He is versatile, has a very good kicking game and has a very good goal-kicking average.

“Looking at the bigger picture with regards to the northern hemisphere it is very important that your scrumhalf has a very good kicking game, and that is what he has.

“We are looking forward to Juan-Dee joining the Cheetahs.”

As Oliver is still at school, his contract at the Cheetahs starts on 1 January 2021.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport