Michalak leaves the Sharks

French No.10 agrees three-year deal at Toulouse

Last updated: 16th May 2008

Michalak signs for toulouse2

Michalak: Returning to France

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Frédéric Michalak has confirmed that he will return to former club Toulouse when his contract with the Sharks expires.

Michalak, who has spent 2008 playing for the Sharks in the Super 14 until a knee injury cut his tournament short, has signed a three-year contract with the club.

He will return in October to the city he grew up in, after completing the Currie Cup in Natal.

"I've just signed a three-year contract with president Bouscatel and Stade Toulousain," Michalak told the Stade Toulousain website

"It's a return to my roots, and after thinking about it for a while, returning here, to this club. After my South African experience, it would seem evident how close le Stade is to my heart.

"I have my family and my friends in Toulouse and we all know that once we've played at this club, it's difficult to find better elsewhere.

Adventures

"Toulouse are regularly in the running in big competitions and play in a lot of finals. These are wonderful adventures, and even if in sporting terms they don't always end perfectly, they still remain great memories."

The decision to return to the club with which he won the French Championship in 2001 and two European Cups in 2003 and 2005 was not very difficult despite receiving lucrative offers from various English clubs as well as Toulon and Biarritz.

Despite Toulouse signing incumbent France fly-half David Skrela from Stade Français for next season, Michalak still expects to wear the No.10 shirt.

"I'll be one of two No.10s, even if I could play at nine if I was asked," he said.

"Either way, at this club you don't question where you play: you wear the jersey above all.

"There will be competition, but there always has been at the club. It's what makes us work, it's what makes us move forward.

"That doesn't stop us from having human and friendly relationships away from the training field. David and I will work together so that Stade Toulousain wins."