Stade Francais

Wakeham has made it into one of the Top14’s most glamorous outfits just three years after making the Fiji U16 rugby team. The 18-year-old, who stands at 208cm, was first identified by FRU development officer Bill Gadolo in 2018 and was called to join the national U16 team in Suva.

“When I answered the phone call from Bill Gadolo, I thought it was the police, but when he told me that he can help develop my rugby skills to be a future Flying Fijian, I knew this is an opportunity to pursue my dream as a young rugby player,” Wakeham told the Fiji Times at the time.

Stade Francais players had begun an open-ended strike last week, denouncing what they called a takeover in disguise, while the French federation and the Paris mayor also opposed the merger.

Racing 92 president Jacky Lorenzetti said in a statement that he had "decided to give this beautiful project up," Lorenzetti said in a statement.

"I have heard and understood the reservations... the social, human, sporting conditions are not met. Perhaps we were right too soon," he added.

"The future of Stade Francais will be written without us and I wish them the best."

The clubs, which have both struggled this season in France's premier Top 14 league, said in statements on their websites that the combination would create a new, stronger club that could enjoy a bigger fanbase in the French capital.

Carter and fellow ex-All Black Joe Rokocoko are among Racing 92's stars, while Stade Francais' top players feature the likes of French international Pascal Pape and Italian Sergio Parisse.

Former All Black Byron Kelleher also played for Stade Francais, following his retirement from international rugby.