One of the more bizarre stories to break in recent times has been Monday's news that Racing 92 and Stade Francais are set to merge into one club from next season onwards. The merger was reportedly initiated by Stade as far back as ten months ago.
The news seems to have taken nearly everyone by surprise, not least some of the players. Anyone looking to keep up-to-date with events should keep an eye on the Twitter timeline of Irish rugby writer Gavin Mortimer, who is based in Paris. Mortimer has said that he spoke to an anonymous Stade player, whose claims seem to indicate the utterly bizarre way in which the move is playing out at the clubs and the uncertain position staff (including, presumably, Ronan O'Gara) now find themselves in.
Also according to Mortimer, Stade president Thomas Savare said that he and his Racing counterpart Jacky Lorenzetti are "aware that we've dropped a bombshell" (you don't say!) and that "the team for next season will be decided later between Jacky and me".
Don't think this is the end of the madness regarding this particular story.
