Size not an issue for Saints fly-half Olver

The fly-half, who is listed as weighing little more than 11st, has entered the land of giants in recent weeks at Franklin’s Gardens.

He has found himself as back-up to Stephen Myler for the past four Premiership fixtures, having impressed during the LV= Cup weeks.

And though the 20-year-old knows his lack of bulk makes him a target for opposition players, he is more than prepared for the task.

“It’s a challenge but I sort of enjoy the tackling side of things,” said Olver ahead of Saturday’s LV= Cup semi-final at Saracens.

“I see it as a personal challenge and I know I will get targeted because of my size but that’s for me to deal with.

“You get used to it and by the time you get to game day you’re not really thinking about it.

“I’ve been doing my extras in the gym trying to get a bit of size on and also on the pitch, with my kicking and general game.

“I’ve been working hard and hopefully it’s paying dividends.”

Olver enjoyed a spell on loan at Championship outfit Moseley earlier this season, earning the league’s player of the month prize for November.

And he feels that successful stint has made a man out of him as he gets set for more Saints action in the bid for LV= Cup glory.

“Being at Moseley made me control a men’s team and learn how to boss and control a team,” Olver said.

“I learned a lot from going down there and the likes of Kevin Maggs helped me out there.

“The likes of (former Saints wing) Scotty Armstrong is there as well and you can learn a lot from those sort of players.

“They’ve played in the Premiership, played in semi-finals, finals and all I can do is absorb the knowledge and information they have and take it on board.”

And Olver, who appears to have risen above Will Hooley in the Saints pecking order, is also taking plenty of advice from Stephen Myler.

He said: “Coming down to the Gardens as a young kind and watching Stephen play and now being around him is great.

“All I can do is learn from him.”