Sharks' backline gets some French magic

French international Frederic Michalak is certain to be a hit in South Africa.

The Sharks celebrity was expected to fly into KwaZulu-Natal later on Friday and was sure to be met by a media frenzy when he stepped off the plane at Durban International Airport.

Michalak has a cult following in his home country, as he is revered by male and female rugby lovers alike, not least because of his honed naked torso that has featured in the Dieux de Stade calendar, an annual round-up of naked rugby players.

On the field, the 24-year-old has mesmerised the world with his ability to unlock the tightest of defences with his guile.

However, there is also the perception that he is prone to wilt under pressure and Michalak has been branded the "enigma" of world rugby with his mercurial temperament akin to the French national side's ability to flick between brilliant and bad.

The fairer sex, on the other hand, believes that the charming Frenchman has the complete package combining athleticism with good looks.

In France, Michalak is regarded as the David Beckham of rugby as he is a style icon and part-time model.

He wears diamonds in his ears, has strolled down the catwalk for Christian Lacroix and is heavily tattooed (he has a star branded somewhere intimate). Speaking of which, he is the "face" of a French condom brand.

Only this beau has yet to be tied down and is still an eligible bachelor, something the ladies of the east coast will be delighted to hear.

His presence in the Sharks squad has been hailed as a masterstroke by the coastal franchise which needs an experienced flyhalf to fill the void that Butch James leaves after his move to Bath in England. He's an addition that will give even more sparkle to the Sharks backline.