Oliver's hands twisted by Umaga

0 Comments | AFP, October, 2007

TOULON, France (AFP) — New Zealand hooker Anton Oliver admitted on Wednesday that his close friendship with general manager Tana Umaga had convinced him to join French Second Division bigspenders Toulon.

The 32-year-old - capped 59 times - said he would be willing to go to the ends of the earth for his former All Black skipper as Toulon attempt to win promotion to the French First Division.

"Tana is a friend, a great friend even," said Oliver, who made his debut for the All Blacks in 1997 against Fiji.

"But now that he's my boss, I don't know how long that friendship will last! I understand him and I will follow his orders.

"Aside from that, the challenge offered by the club and above all by the president (Mourad Boudjellal) is exciting.

"To...