Olivier Merle (born 14 November 1965 in Chamalières, Puy-de-Dôme) is a former French rugby union player.
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.
Merle started his career at ASM Clermont Auvergne, moving then to RC Vichy.
[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.
[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.