He returned to France for a one year stint at Montferrand but was back in the Cherry and White of Gloucester in the summer of 2004.
In a glittering Gloucester career, he has gone on to make 239 appearances for the club and has enjoyed a testimonial season in 2010-11. He also won 10 caps for his country.
His record for Gloucester is all the more impressive given the quality of competition that he has had for the number two shirt at Kingsholm over the years.
His final appearance for the club was in the recent 27-15 home victory over the Northampton Saints when he signed off in style in front of the delighted Gloucester supporters as he scored a second half try which helped seal the win.
Gloucester Rugby Managing Director Ken Nottage, whose own stint at the club began shortly before Azam arrived today spoke glowingly of the role that Azam has played in Gloucester's recent history.
"It's funny to compare the man Olivier is today with the man who first arrived at the club back in 2000, barely able to speak a word of English!"
"A tireless and fearsome competitor, he is now written into Gloucester Rugby folklore and, outside of rugby, is now well and truly part of the local community as a successful restaurateur."
"Olivier's loyalty to the club is a breath of fresh air and he has quite rightly gone on to become a legend with the Gloucester supporters."
"On behalf of everyone at Gloucester Rugby, I would like to thank him for his contribution and wish him all the very best for the future."
