PARIS (AP) Stade Francais president Thomas Savare wants a merger with rival Racing 92 to go ahead despite strong opposition from fans and players.
Speaking after an emergency meeting at the French rugby league on Friday, Savare said Racing 92 president Jacky Lorenzetti is also determined to complete a deal, ''because this is an enthusiastic project.''
The merger has proved to be a hugely divisive move, welcomed by the French league but earning the disapproval of the French Rugby Federation.
Representatives from both clubs met with League president Paul Goze and all parties, including some players and coaches, agreed to meet again on Monday for further discussions.
Stade Francais players had announced they would go on strike in protest, but the league decided to postpone both clubs' weekend games ''to give dialogue a chance.'' Racing 92 was set to travel to Montpellier on Saturday while Stade Francais' next match was at Castres.
Montpellier immediately challenged the league's move and asked for a quick court decision as well as filing a request to the French Olympic committee.
Racing 92 is the reigning French champion and both clubs play in the top-tier Top 14 championship. They won the inaugural French titles in 1892 and 1893 and have claimed 20 titles together.
Goze said last week the idea is to build a ''strong economic model'' - which can be translated as a superclub of the best local talent in the Paris region and the best foreign talent coming into the Top 14.
New Zealand great Dan Carter plays for Racing 92 and the flyhalf also helped the club reach the European Cup final last season, where it lost to English side Saracens.
