From an Irish perspective, the future Munster and Ireland legend Ronan O'Gara has been of particular interest as the upcoming merger between French rugby clubs Racing 92 and Stade Francais was announced today.
The clubs, both of whom are based in the Paris region, are set to become one club from next season and the future of the players and coaches had been thrown into doubt as a result.
"This association, effective from next season, must give birth to a new club that will preserve the roots of Racing 92 as those of the Stade Français Paris while multiplying the means put at the service of youth and French rugby," Racing said in a statement.
O'Gara has been a coach at Racing 92 since 2013 and in 2016 had signed a new three year contract extension with the Parisian club that would run until 2019.
The presidents of Stade Francais and Racing 92 have been outlining the way in which the merger will be implemented in a press conference.
.@racing92 : "être en position de gagner à chaque fois." pic.twitter.com/RdkofON5sZ
— Racing 92 (@racing92) March 13, 2017
One of the points they addressed was the planned composition of the top end of the future coaching staff.
According to French rugby newspaper Midi Olympique, the presidents responded that "the head coaches will be those from Racing":
"Les entraineurs en chef seront ceux du Racing" #fusion
— Midi Olympique (@midi_olympique) March 13, 2017
Racing 92 coaches Laurent Labit and Laurent Travers have been confirmed as the coaches for the merged team.
Like O'Gara, Labit and Travers joined Racing 92 in 2013.
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