The UAFC

Big news out of France this morning is that Racing 92 and Stade Francais are merging for next season

LOL

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ROG unemployed so?

Dublin4 wrote:ROG unemployed so?

One of many things they will have to sort out - coaches, playing squad. Will play at the new stadium R92 were building - Arena92. More importantly - the kit, that will be very interesting...blue, white and pink hoops maybe?

It means that the 13th placed side in the Top 14 (currently Grenoble) will no longer face automatic relegation. Will now playoff v the side who loses the D2 playoff final. The likes of Oyonnax, Biarritz and Colomiers currently in contention for promotion.

Despite what the news says, there are claims that it isn't a merger, it is basically a takeover of Stade by Racing.

So will it be a gallic shrug or Aux Barricades! from the Stade fans...?

Did Stade not just build a new stadium?

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mikerob wrote:Despite what the news says, there are claims that it isn't a merger, it is basically a takeover of Stade by Racing.

So will it be a gallic shrug or Aux Barricades! from the Stade fans...?

Via Twitter, French press reports suggest Stade were the ones to start talks 10 months ago.

Russ wrote:Did Stade not just build a new stadium?

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Yup, a local football side Red Star who play in Ligue 2, moving into Stade's stadium.

Neill_M wrote:

mikerob wrote:Despite what the news says, there are claims that it isn't a merger, it is basically a takeover of Stade by Racing.

So will it be a gallic shrug or Aux Barricades! from the Stade fans...?

Via Twitter, French press reports suggest Stade were the ones to start talks 10 months ago.

Very impressed by you following Twitter in French, Neill. I can't be bothered following it in English.

Gavin Mortimer, a rugby journalist based in Paris is good to follow for all things French rugby. He is reporting that the Stade players and coaches were called into a meeting this morning and told of the merger, to say it came as a surprise would be a giant understatement....

This is a disgrace to be honest. The owners of the two clubs need to hang their heads in shame.

It's been a long time coming IMHO. Once Guazzini had to relinquish control, the club was unsustainable. I'm surprised they lasted this long TBH. Probably a better outcome than both teams being demoted back out of professional existence.

Anyway the 'real Stade' supporters will be happy.

thecrouch wrote:This is a disgrace to be honest. The owners of the two clubs need to hang their heads in shame.

Bordeaux Begles had a similar merger a few years back.

I see Ibanez is also leaving them at the end of the season, maybe Madigan should have stuck it out.

When are we merging with Leinster?

UlsterNo9 wrote:

thecrouch wrote:This is a disgrace to be honest. The owners of the two clubs need to hang their heads in shame.

Bordeaux Begles had a similar merger a few years back.

I see Ibanez is also leaving them at the end of the season, maybe Madigan should have stuck it out.

When are we merging with Leinster?

We already have.