# Michael Horak > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Michael_Horak > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Michael_Horak.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Horak > Source revision: 1341565923 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) {{short description|South Africa international rugby league & England international rugby union player}} {{Use South African English|date=August 2013}} {{Use dmy dates|date=June 2024}} {{Infobox rugby biography | name = Michael Horak | image = | caption = | birth_name = Michael John Horak | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1977|6|3|df=y}} | birth_place = [Johannesburg](/source/Johannesburg), South Africa | death_date = | death_place = | school = [Grey College](/source/Grey_College%2C_Bloemfontein) | university = | height = {{height|ft=6|in=3}} | weight = {{convert|92|kg|stlb|abbr=on}} | ru_position = [Fullback](/source/Fullback_(rugby_union)), [Wing](/source/Wing_(rugby_union)) | repteam1 = [England Saxons](/source/England_Saxons) | repteam2 = [England](/source/England_national_rugby_union_team) | repyears1 = 2002 | repyears2 = 2002 | repcaps2 = 1 | reppoints2 = 0 | ru_ntupdate = 22 June 2002 | years1 = 1997–1999 | clubs1 = [Leicester Tigers](/source/Leicester_Tigers) | years2 = 1999 | clubs2 = [Bristol](/source/Bristol_Bears) | years3 = 1999–2007 | clubs3 = [London Irish](/source/London_Irish) | years4 = 2007–2009 | clubs4 = [Treviso](/source/Benetton_Rugby) | years5 = 2009–2010 | clubs5 = [Saracens](/source/Saracens_F.C.) | apps1 = 25 | points1 = 50 | apps2 = 3 | points2 = 22 | apps3 = 107 | points3 = 110 | apps4 = 19 | points4 = 30 | apps5 = 1 | points5 = 0 | ru_clubupdate = 8 November 2009 | coachyears1 = 2010–2014 | coachyears2 = 2013–2014 | coachyears3 = 2014 | coachyears4 = 2015–present | coachteams1 = {{Rut|Free State Cheetahs}} ''(defensive coach)'' | coachteams2 = {{Rut|UFS Shimlas}} | coachteams3 = {{Rut|Eastern Province Kings}} ''(defensive coach)'' | coachteams4 = {{Rut|Sharks}} ''(defensive coach)'' | ru_coachupdate = 23 November 2014 | module = {{infobox rugby league biography | embed = yes | position = {{Rlp|FB}} | teamA = [South Africa](/source/South_Africa_national_rugby_league_team) | yearAstart = | appearancesA = | pointsA = | year1start = 1997 | club1 = [Perth Reds](/source/WA_Reds) | appearances1 = | points1 = }} }} '''Michael John Horak''' (born 3 June 1977) is a South African former [rugby union](/source/rugby_union) and [rugby league](/source/rugby_league) footballer who played in the 1990s, 2000s and 2010s, and rugby union coach. He represented [South Africa](/source/South_Africa_national_rugby_league_team) in rugby league, and played one game for [England](/source/England_national_rugby_union_team) in rugby union. He last played at [fullback](/source/Fullback_(rugby_union)) or [wing](/source/Wing_(rugby_union)) for [Saracens](/source/Saracens_F.C.). ==Background== Michael Horak was born in [Johannesburg](/source/Johannesburg), South Africa. ==Career== ===Playing career=== After playing for the Free State Schools [Craven Week](/source/Craven_Week) side in 1995 and the [Free State](/source/Free_State_Cheetahs) U21s in 1996 he moved to Australia to play [rugby league](/source/rugby_league), and played for the [Perth Reds](/source/WA_Reds).{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/england/3029749/England-devise-new-plan-to-snare-Pumas.html|title=England devise new plan to snare Pumas|work= [The Daily Telegraph](/source/The_Daily_Telegraph)|date=20 June 2002|access-date=29 December 2009 | location=London | first=Mick | last=Cleary}} He has also played for [South Africa](/source/South_Africa_national_rugby_league_team), including at the 1997 [Super League World Nines](/source/Super_League_World_Nines).{{cite web|url=http://www.london-irish.com/PlayerDisplaySS.ink?skip=23&season=01/02&squadno=3493&seasonl=2001/2002&Playertype=p|title=London Irish profile|publisher=London Irish official site|date=30 June 2007|access-date=29 December 2009|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110614080842/http://www.london-irish.com/PlayerDisplaySS.ink?skip=23&season=01%2F02&squadno=3493&seasonl=2001%2F2002&Playertype=p|archive-date=14 June 2011}} Horak was signed by [Bob Dwyer](/source/Bob_Dwyer) for the [Leicester Tigers](/source/Leicester_Tigers) in 1997{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby-union-englands-super-12-clubbyclub-guide-to-the-allied-dunbar-premiership-1245791.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220512/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby-union-englands-super-12-clubbyclub-guide-to-the-allied-dunbar-premiership-1245791.html |archive-date=12 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=England's super 12: Club-by-club guide to the Allied Dunbar Premiership|work= [The Independent](/source/The_Independent)|date=17 August 1997|access-date=29 December 2009 | location=London | first=Paul | last=Trow}} and became Leicester's first-choice full back, replacing the retiring John Liley and ahead of Fijian international [Waisale Serevi](/source/Waisale_Serevi). He also played for the England U21 side. However, he dropped to third choice after Tiger's signing of [Tim Stimpson](/source/Tim_Stimpson) and [Geordan Murphy](/source/Geordan_Murphy). Horak subsequently followed Dwyer to [Bristol](/source/Bristol_Bears){{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby-union-bristol-promoted-in-top-drawer-fashion-1092732.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220512/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby-union-bristol-promoted-in-top-drawer-fashion-1092732.html |archive-date=12 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Bristol promoted in top drawer fashion|work= [The Independent](/source/The_Independent)|date=10 May 1999|access-date=29 December 2009 | location=London | first=Chris | last=Hewett}} before signing for [London Irish](/source/London_Irish) in 1999. He left Irish in 2000 but re-signed in 2001. He started in the [2002 Powergen Cup Final](/source/Anglo-Welsh_Cup) at [Twickenham](/source/Twickenham_Stadium), scoring a try as London Irish defeated the [Northampton Saints](/source/Northampton_Saints).{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/english/1937800.stm|title=Exiles claim Cup glory|publisher=BBC|date=20 April 2002|access-date=29 December 2009}} His solitary [England](/source/England_national_rugby_union_team) cap came during the [tour of Argentina](/source/2002_England_rugby_union_tour_of_Argentina), on 22 June 2002 at the [Estadio José Amalfitani](/source/Estadio_Jos%C3%A9_Amalfitani).{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/international/2060216.stm|title=Argentina beaten by England youngsters|publisher=BBC|date=22 June 2002|access-date=29 December 2009}} He qualifies for [England](/source/England_national_rugby_union_team) via his English mother. After spending two seasons with [Benetton Treviso](/source/Benetton_Rugby), Horak signed with [Saracens](/source/Saracens_F.C.) for the [2009–10 season](/source/2009%E2%80%9310_Guinness_Premiership){{cite web|url=http://www.saracens.com/news/view.php?Id=5263|title=Trio to join Saracens for new campaign|publisher=Saracens official site|date=14 April 2009|access-date=29 December 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090618032750/http://www.saracens.com/news/view.php?Id=5263|archive-date=18 June 2009}} but announced his retirement with immediate effect in January 2010.{{cite web|url=http://www.saracens.com/news/view.php?Id=5719|title=Saracens announce retirement of Michael Horak|date=6 January 2010|publisher=Saracens.com|access-date=6 January 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615141309/http://www.saracens.com/news/view.php?Id=5719|archive-date=15 June 2011}} He is a tall player with a big left boot.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/my_club/saracens/7999599.stm|title=BBC report on signing|publisher=BBC|date=15 April 2009|access-date=29 December 2009}} ===Coaching career=== In 2010, {{Rut|Free State Cheetahs}} head coach [Naka Drotské](/source/Naka_Drotsk%C3%A9) appointed Horak as the defence coach and head of the Cheetahs academy prior to the [2010 Currie Cup Premier Division](/source/2010_Currie_Cup_Premier_Division) competition.{{cite web | url=http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2010/07/27/VB/20/jtdefenceB101.html | title=Vrystaat-lakwerk teen Haaie getoets | publisher=Beeld | work=Media24 | date=27 July 2010 | access-date=3 January 2014 | language=Afrikaans | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140103140629/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2010/07/27/VB/20/jtdefenceB101.html | archive-date=3 January 2014}} He became the general manager of the team in 2011{{cite web | url=http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2011/06/22/VB/20/helgardtemplate-B1-01.html | title=Os brei VS-agttal | publisher=Beeld | work=Media24 | date=22 June 2011 | access-date=3 January 2014 | language=Afrikaans | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140103140810/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2011/06/22/VB/20/helgardtemplate-B1-01.html | archive-date=3 January 2014}} and also helped out as defensive coach at the {{Rut|Griffons}} in 2011.{{cite web | url=http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2011/07/10/SK/20/jdjgriffonsbul.html | title=Perses toets Bul-diepte | publisher=Beeld | work=Media24 | date=10 July 2011 | access-date=3 January 2014 | language=Afrikaans | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140103141004/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2011/07/10/SK/20/jdjgriffonsbul.html | archive-date=3 January 2014}} At the end of 2012, he relinquished his role as general manager at the {{Rut|Free State Cheetahs}} to take over as director of rugby as well as head coach at [Varsity Cup](/source/Varsity_Cup) side {{Rut|UFS Shimlas}} prior to the [2013 Varsity Cup](/source/2013_Varsity_Cup) competition,{{cite web | url=http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/11/07/VB/33/jthawer-B1-01.html | title=Hawies VRU se hoof van rugbysake | publisher=Beeld | work=Media24 | date=7 November 2011 | access-date=3 January 2014 | language=Afrikaans | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140103141059/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/11/07/VB/33/jthawer-B1-01.html | archive-date=3 January 2014}} but still continued as Cheetahs defensive coach. At the start of 2014, it was announced that he signed a five-year contract to join the {{Rut|Eastern Province Kings}} as defensive coach, following the completion of Shimlas' [2014 Varsity Cup](/source/2014_Varsity_Cup) campaign.{{cite press release|url=http://www.easternprovincerugby.com/news/horak-to-join-eastern-province-rugby-in-2014 |title=Horak to join Eastern Province Rugby in 2014 |publisher=Eastern Province Rugby Union |date=3 January 2014 |access-date=3 January 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104031834/http://www.easternprovincerugby.com/news/horak-to-join-eastern-province-rugby-in-2014 |archive-date=4 January 2014 }} However, he spent just one season in [Port Elizabeth](/source/Port_Elizabeth) before joining the {{Rut|Sharks}} for the 2015 season.{{cite press release | url=http://www.eprugby.co.za/horak-and-kings-part-ways/ | title=Horak and Kings part ways | publisher=Eastern Province Kings | date=17 November 2014 | access-date=23 November 2014 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141130012901/http://www.eprugby.co.za/horak-and-kings-part-ways/ | archive-date=30 November 2014}} ==References== {{reflist}} ==External links== *[https://web.archive.org/web/20091125230153/http://www.saracens.com/news/first-team-squad/view.php?Id=285 Saracens profile] *{{ESPNscrum|13990}} *{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20110614080842/http://www.london-irish.com/PlayerDisplaySS.ink?skip=23&season=01%2F02&squadno=3493&seasonl=2001%2F2002&Playertype=p London Irish profile]}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Horak, Michael}} Category:1977 births Category:Living people Category:20th-century South African sportsmen Category:21st-century South African sportsmen Category:Alumni of Grey College, Bloemfontein Category:Benetton Rugby players Category:Bristol Bears players Category:Dual-code rugby internationals Category:England international rugby union players Category:Expatriate rugby league players in Australia Category:Expatriate rugby union players in Italy Category:Leicester Tigers players Category:London Irish players Category:Rugby league fullbacks Category:Rugby league players from Gauteng Category:Rugby union fullbacks Category:Rugby union players from Johannesburg Category:Saracens F.C. players Category:South Africa national rugby league team players Category:South African expatriate rugby league players Category:South African expatriate rugby union players in England Category:South African expatriate sportspeople in Australia Category:South African expatriate sportspeople in Italy Category:South African people of English descent Category:South African rugby league players Category:South African rugby union coaches Category:South African rugby union players --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Michael Horak](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Horak) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Horak?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.