Frédéric Michalak, a legend of French Rugby, has joined the Sharks coaching ranks after completing his coaching commitments with European rugby powerhouse Racing 92.
Since arriving in Australia this week, Michalak travelled to Brisbane with the NRL squad in kicking off his tenure at the Sharks in the capacity of assistant coach.
The 43-year-old Michalak, who played 77 Tests for France across a stellar 15-year international career while also representing Toulouse, Toulon, Lyon and South Africa's Sharks at club level in the 15-man code, was renowned for his playmaking flair and creativity as a fly-half.
Michalak is already well acquainted with rugby league and the Cronulla Sharks, having worked with the club's halves as a kicking and skills consultant in 2022.
“We’re super excited to have a former player of Freddy’s calibre, he’s a rugby icon,” Sharks head coach Craig Fitzgibbon said.
“It’s a real asset for the club to be able to get him in and we’re keen to get Freddy up to speed as to how we do things here at the Sharks and to get some expertise in the areas he gets to focus on. He’s going to be an asset for the team, that’s for sure."
In addition to his consultancy role at the Sharks some four years ago, the three-time Rugby World Cup competitor also worked with Fitzgibbon during a stint at the Sydney Roosters.
Arriving in Sydney earlier in the week, before departing for Brisbane ahead of the Sharks clash with the Broncos on Saturday night, Michalak was impressed with the playing group and excited about the challenge of adding his knowledge and expertise to the Sharks run into the 2026 NRL Finals.
“The boys and staff have welcomed me and I’m happy to be here,” Michalak began. “First impression, I feel like it’s a family here, it’s a group of players who are strong together, respect the jersey and want to improve every week and every day.
“They have a strong mentality and a good attitude.
“It’s a big challenge for me to share my experience and to do my best for the team,” he added.
After retiring from the playing arena in 2018 following a distinguished 18-year career, Michalak moved into a management role as President Consultant at French club Lyon.
In 2021, he worked for a period of time as a coaching consultant for the Sydney Roosters, before later that year joining French Top 14 giants Toulon as an assistant coach focused on player development.
In 2023, he moved to rival club Racing 92, taking on an assistant coach position and leading the team's attack.
Michalak bolsters a Sharks coach group which includes Fitzgibbon and assistants Steve Price and Daniel Holdsworth.
