Toulon boss furious over Michalak bill

The outspoken President of Top 14 leaders Toulon on Monday blasted the French Rugby Federation, saying they should be paying the wages of Frederic Michalak and not him after the flyhalf was injured playing for his country.

Mourad Boudjellal is unhappy that Michalak, 30, dislocated his left shoulder at the end of the 23-16 win over Scotland on Saturday - a result that was not enough for the French to avoid their first wooden spoon since 1999 - and will be out for between six to eight weeks.

Boudjellal, who has often found himself in trouble with the various French rugby authorities for his remarks, said he could not believe it was he who had to pick up the wages which are not covered by social security.

"It is not normal that international players are not covered by insurance contracts of the French Rugby Federation," he told AFP.

"This system is abhorrent because I get back an injured player and it is my responsibility to pay the difference between what social security reimburses [the limit is €4000 per month] and his monthly salary.

"I was not invited to the match. I am just invited to pay his salary."

The injury to Michalak - who plays scrumhalf for Toulon as Jonny Wilkinson is first choice at flyhalf - rounded off a miserable tournament for him on a personal level as his performances came in for widespread criticism.

AFP