CHAOS IN FRENCH CAMP AS MERGER THREATENS STARS

WALES hooker Ken Owens expects France to be ‘playing for contracts’ after their camp was rocked by news that Racing 92 and Stade Francais are planning to merge. Players were informed of the talks by text on Tuesday morning, before walking out of the team hotel against management wishes for an emergency meeting in Paris. A list of ‘transferable players’ has reportedly been sent around Top 14 clubs, leaving some stars facing unemployment if the ‘Super Club’ goes ahead. ‘We’ll see what sort of mindset the players have,’ said Owens. ‘It must be a difficult time for them. Some could be playing for contracts, so there is all sorts of motivation. ‘That’s professional sport. Things are dictated by finances. Owners and directors make decisions for the financial benefit of the club, and as players, you have got to be able to understand that. All you can do is keep playing well and prove your worth.’ French centre Jonathan Danty (above) said: ‘In my bedroom, at around 11 o’clock, I read about it on my phone. My first reaction was to ask if it was a joke. After that we had a meeting between players from the two clubs. ‘It was unthinkable. It’s a bitter pill to swallow, bizarre. We’ve always been told we’re the club’s future, that if we leave, the club dies. And then we find out what’s been done behind our backs.’ Wales are out of the title race after losing to England and Scotland, but could still secure fourth place in the world rankings for May’s World Cup draw if they win and Ireland lose.