Michalak was enjoying a sabbatical from French rugby in South Africa

France fly-half Frederic Michalak could be sidelined for six months after tearing his anterior cruciate knee ligament during a Super 14 match.

Michalak hyper-extended his knee nine minutes into the Sharks' 25-10 defeat by New South Wales Waratahs in Sydney.

It brings a premature finish to the 25-year-old's stint with the South African side, which was to end in June.

Michalak, who was set to return to France in the summer, will miss their two-Test tour of Australia in June.

Michalak joins Toulouse wing Vincent Clerc, who was also ruled out for six months last week, on the unavailable list for France.

Sharks coach Dick Muir said: "We're really disappointed to lose Fred.

"He was going to stick around and play for us in the Currie Cup and then return home to play for France in their end of year tour, if he was selected.

"He's grown to be one of us, he's really enjoyed it at the Sharks and we've enjoyed having him. He's added a lot of value to our squad, so it's really sad that he is leaving us."