Two Top 14 clashes put off due to Paris clubs merger row

Two Top 14 matches set for this weekend are being postponed due to a dispute over a proposed merger of rugby clubs Racing 92 and Stade Francais, the LNR rugby union league said after crisis talks on Friday.

"The LNR bureau has taken the unprecedented nature of the situation into account and decided, exceptionally, to push back until later this weekend's matches between Castres Olympique and Stade Francais and between Montpellier  Rugby and Racing 92," it said in a statement. 

 Stade Francais players voted overwhelmingly for strike action and refused to train or play against Castres this weekend or other matches this season. 

After several hours of crisis talks involving those two, players and the rugby authorities on Friday, a further meeting was scheduled on the disputed merger next Monday evening. 

New dates for the postponed fixtures will be announced on Monday, said the LNR statement, which spoke of "the shockwave and emotion" caused by the tie-up plan.

Stade Francais players, who see the merger as an outright takeover by Racing 92 were due to meet without the rugby authorities on Friday to discuss their position, a representative of the players' union said.

"By this decision, the NRL wants to give every opportunity to dialogue in a calm climate and to preserve the equity of the Top 14," the LNR said in a statement.