Frederic Michalak on his way back to Sharks

The Sharks said that 54-times capped Michalak - who can play scrum half or stand off - will be available for Saturday's Super 15 game against South African rivals the Cheetahs. The 28-year-old offers the play-off-chasing Sharks back-up at scrum half after Conrad Hoffman was ruled out for three months this weekend with a left elbow injury - leaving Charl McLeod as their only fit No 9 with Super rugby experience.

Michalak, who appeared for the Barbarians against England last weekend, also played for the Durban-based Sharks in 2008 and won South Africa's domestic Currie Cup later that year.

Michalak returned to French club Toulouse in 2009 after one season in Durban. He played no part in Toulouse's Top 14 semi-final win over Clermont Auvergne last week and will join the South African team this weekend. "It is no surprise that I am here again," Michalak said in a Sharks statement. "I loved my year that I spent in Durban. 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."