Sharks Sign Frédéric Michalak
The Sharks Media Release
Sharks Sign Frédéric Michalak
No stranger to playing in Durban, The Sharks welcome back, with immediate effect, the French
supremo Frédéric Michalak who was part of the team that won the Absa Currie Cup in 2008,
after an absence of winning the trophy for 12 years.
Having played for Toulouse since 1998 (at the age of 16) and enjoyed Top 14 and Heineken
Cup action, together with over 50 matches for France, the 28 year old comes with a wealth of
experience.
Michalak signed with The Sharks for the Super 14 in 2008. The Sharks who had previously
signed former French internationals Thierry Lacroix and Olivier Roumat saw him as a key
player in the Absa Currie Cup campaign. Michalak made his Super 14 debut against the
Stormers and went on to feature in nine games before being a part of The Sharks successful
Absa Currie Cup campaign later that year. He ended his spell with The Sharks after the
victorious Absa Currie Cup Final when he re-signed with his former club Toulouse for the start
of the French 2008-09 season.
“It is no surprise that I am here again,’ said Michalak. “I loved my year that I spent in Durban
and the cherry on the top was definitely winning the Currie Cup trophy.”
“Unlike the first time when I signed for The Sharks, there won’t be a problem in terms of any
language barrier and being able to slot in with old team mates is definitely a plus factor for me,”
he added.
“In the event of injuries, or a depletion of depth due to call-ups to the national squad, a player
of his character will provide The Sharks with an unpredictability and freshness, said Sharks (Pty)
Ltd CEO Brian van Zyl. “He will complement our style of play, is a good influence on the
players around him on the field, and we welcome him back to our squad.”
Coach John Plumtree added that, “It is great to have him back and be available to us for
selection from this weekend. His arrival could not have been timed better.”
Statistics:
Born: 16 October, 1982 Height: 1.72m Weight: 80kg France: 54 Caps, 252 points
