Stade Français and Racing 92 merger called off

The merger between Top 14 clubs Stade Français and Racing 92 that was announced this week has been called off.

Last week Top 14 clubs Racing 92 and Stade Français announced that they will merge to form a new club next season.

But there was massive backlash from players who refused to train or play against Castres at the weekend, resulting in the match being postponed while Racing's weekend game against Montpellier was also called off.

Further talks between Top 14 champions Racing and Stade were initially scheduled for Monday, but the two clubs announced that the merger would no longer be happening.

Racing 92 president Jacky Lorenzetti explained that it wasn't the right time for the move.

"We decided to bring Stade Francais Paris and Racing 92 together to create a great Ile-de-France club of tomorrow and ensure it of a long-lasting and brilliant future.

"I have decided to give up this beautiful project."

Lorenzetti added that he "did not expect such resistance, especially internally!"

"In any case, the social, political, cultural, human, and sporting conditions were not in place. Perhaps we had the right plan too soon, only the future will tell," he concluded.