The French National Rugby League (LNR) announced it “proposed an emergency meeting” between Top14 sides Stade Français and Racing 92, according to L’ÉQUIPE. The LNR said that it called the meeting to “clarify the many points raised around the planned merger between the two clubs.” In reference to the notice of strike put forward by the Stade Français players, the LNR hopes the “dialogue” will “ensure the preservation of interests of all stakeholders, especially players, coaches and workers of both clubs” (L’ÉQUIPE, 3/15). REUTERS' Julien Pretot reported Stade Français players were starting an "open-ended strike," ruling out Saturday's Top14 match against Castres. According to LNR regulations, Stade Français will be docked two points while Castres will be awarded five, "with the threat of relegation looming over the Parisian side" if it forfeits three games. The merger has "also split opinion among the authorities," with the LNR saying it was "in favour of the move" while the French Rugby Federation said it was "shocked" by the proposal (REUTERS, 3/15).
