Cape Town - Frederic Michalak feels friend and former team-mate Clement Poitrenaud’s decision to join the Sharks is a good one.

The Durban franchise announced on Monday that the 34-year-old had joined them on a one-year deal.

Poitrenaud's arrival continues a long tradition of successful French players joining the Sharks and his experience - having earned 337 caps for his club Toulouse and 47 for France - will prove vital.

Poitrenaud follows in the footsteps of countrymen Michalak, Thierry Lacroix and Olivier Roumat, who enjoyed successful stints at the Sharks in the past.

Michalak played for the Sharks in 2008 when they won the Currie Cup and returned for a spell in Durban in 2011/12.

The current Toulon pivot and Poitrenaud are childhood friends and played many games together for Toulouse and France.

Upon hearing the news of Poitrenaud’s signing at the Sharks, Michalak congratulated him on Twitter, writing:

“Congratulations @ClemPoitrenaud who has waited 34 years to wear another jersey! good luck with @TheSharksZA enjoy with the best club ever????"