Sunday 19 March 2017 13:41, UK
Racing 92's controversial merger with Stade Francais has been abandoned, both clubs have confirmed.
The two Parisian powerhouses shocked the rugby world last Monday when they announced plans to pool their resources and form one 'super' club.
But the move was called off on Sunday, with Racing president Jacky Lorenzetti saying in a statement: "I renounce the plan for a rapprochement with Stade Francais, in agreement with Thomas Savare (Stade president) the merger will not take place.
Stade Francais fans had launched protests while players called a strike after news that many top players would be axed if the merger went ahead.
However, with further talks between Top 14 champions Racing and Stade having initially been scheduled for Monday, the two clubs announced that the merger would no longer be happening.
Lorenzetti, whose club has the likes ex-All Blacks star Dan Carter on its books, said on the Racing website: "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 said that he had "heard and understood the strong reservations" raised by the plans but felt the majority would be in favour and that the advantages would outweigh the negatives.
He added that he "did not expect such resistance, especially internally!"
Stade also confirmed in a statement on their website that the merger was no longer taking place.
Savare said: "I heard the emotion, the surprise and the misunderstanding of the supporters, the players and the members of our association.
"I also heard their deep attachment to the independence of Stade Francais Paris, this attachment going before all other considerations. So we decided, in agreement with Jacky Lorenzetti, to put an end to this proposed merger."
