Stade Français players take DRASTIC action after news of merger

Yesterday’s announcement came as a shock to both supporters and players and it has emerged today that the latter have gone on strike.

Robins Tchale-Watchou, the president of the French players' union, said in a text message: "They're on open-ended strike."

One player who is clearly unhappy with the move is Stade Francais lock Paul Gabrillagues. The Frenchman took to social media to vent his fury in a Stade Francais fan group.

With the news just emerging this morning, the fall-out could rumble on for the coming weeks and months.