Lyon pull off Michalak coup

Lyon have confirmed the signing of France's record points-scorer, Frederic Michalak, ahead of their return to the Top 14.

Michalak, who retired from international rugby following last year's Rugby World Cup, will leave Toulon to link up with Lyon for the 2016-17 season.

The mercurial fly-half has signed an initial one-year deal, with the option to extend his stay by an additional 12 months.

"I want to give my maximum before finishing my career," said Michalak, 33. "This is a club that has a lot of ambition."

Lyon sit 29 points clear at the top of the Pro D2 and secured promotion a month ago with several matches to spare.

In Michalak, they gain a player of vast experience at the highest level, who contributed 436 points in 77 Test appearances for his country.

A veteran of three World Cups, he has also enjoyed regular success in club rugby with Toulouse and Toulon, as well as winning the Currie Cup with South African franchise Sharks.