Frederic Michalak, the assistant coach for Racing 92, is slated to depart from the club when the current season concludes, as he intends to transition to rugby league with the Cronulla Sharks in the NRL.
The former fly-half for France has dedicated three years to Racing in Paris. However, upon the season’s end, he will join forces with Craig Fitzgibbon, lending his coaching skills mid-way into the NRL campaign.
This does not represent the first engagement in rugby league for the 43-year-old, given his previous collaboration with the Sharks in 2022 in the capacity of a kicking and skills consultant. Prior to this role, he served as a consultant at the Sydney Roosters, where Fitzgibbon also held a position as an assistant coach.
Racing, currently positioned 11th in the Top 14, released the following announcement shortly after his imminent departure was made public: “Frédéric remains wholeheartedly dedicated to the team until the conclusion of the 2025-2026 season, aiming to further the group’s development and guide the club to achieve peak performance in the Top 14 and the Challenge Cup.”
Racing is scheduled to compete against Ulster on Friday evening in their inaugural match of the Challenge Cup.
Ulster
Racing 92
Fitzgibbon, who will be the future supervisor of the Frenchman with 77 caps, stated: “Fred’s experience on the international platform will be a precious advantage for our team, especially as we progress into the critical phase of the upcoming season.
“He has previously cultivated solid bonds with numerous players and staff members through his consulting work, and we are entirely confident about the contribution he will make to our program.
“We extend our best wishes to Fred as he seeks to conclude his tenure at Racing 92 successfully, and we are keen to officially welcome him to our club in 2026.”
