Pic: Sergio Parisse’s Special Stade Francais Tribute During The Italian National Anthem

Stade Francais captain Sergio Parisse issued a defiant response this week to the proposed merger of his club with rivals Racing 92.

The shocking news was revealed on Monday with the Stade Francais players brought into a meeting that day to be told the incredible news that their famous club would cease to exist as of next season.

Since then the players have unanimously voted to go on strike, with ‘fusion’ talks breaking down yesterday, resulting in both Stade’s and Racing’s games against Castres and Montpellier respectively, being postponed by the LNR this weekend.

Parisse took to Twitter earlier this week, stating that he and his teammates will remain defiant.

“As captain of Stade Francais, I learned of the death of my club by … Twitter! We will not let go … I assure you #ourclub.”

The Italian captain today wore a special Stade Francais armband during Italy’s national anthem as they got ready to take on Scotland.