Juan Martin Hernandez has joined the Natal Sharks from Paris club Stade Francais, the Durban club announced today. The 26-year-old, who can play at both outhalf and fullback, has signed a 12-month deal after ending his six-year association with the Parisian club.

“He will be a massive boost to the Sharks’ backline, bringing with him a wealth of international experience and an impressive kicking game,” Sharks coach John Plumtree said on his club’s official website, www.sharksrugby.co.za.

The statement added that the contract of the 26-year-old includes a coaching role at the club’s academy, where he will spend time with junior players at grass-roots level.

Hernandez won the Top 14 championship with Stade in 2004 and 2006 and was one of the stand-out players in the 2007 World Cup finals held in France, leading the Pumas to a third-placed finish.

He is the fourth Argentinian to play for the Sharks, after Jorge Allen, Federico Mendez and Nicolas Miranda.

Hernandez is believed to have turned down a number of Top 14 clubs in favour of

a move to the southern hemisphere, where Stade manager Ewen McKenzie reckons the Pumas star will flourish.

“I think Super 14 rugby will be different,” added the former Australia front-row forward. “It’s like a sprint race — it’s only three months — and I think he will appreciate that. He’ll get an off-season.

“I think it’ll be a nice change. He’s done six years in France but I’m sure he’ll be back very soon, somewhere.”