News is emerging this Monday morning that two of French rugby’s biggest clubs, Stade Francais and Racing 92, are set to merge next season.

French publication L’Equipe reported that the merger will take place, with big plans in the pipeline.

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Since then, the news was officially announced, and this comes as a major shock for the European rugby landscape.

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This will have major implications for the Top 14, as well as qualification for next season’s Champions Cup.

Although the south of France has traditionally been the rugby stronghold of the country, the booming metropolis of Paris has been competitive at the top level through Stade and Racing.

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