Bristol and former England hooker Mark Regan has announced that he will retire from rugby at the end of the season.
After 19 years playing top flight rugby, which included winning the Rugby World Cup in 2003 with England, a British & Irish Lions tour in 1997, and earning a coveted Heineken Cup medal in 1998 with Bath, the 37 year-old hooker has taken the decision to hang up his boots next June.
Commenting on his decision to retire the 46 times England capped player said:
"I can truly say that I have loved every single minute of my rugby career. Any other sports professional will understand how difficult it is to make the decision to retire, and this announcement has not been an easy thought process."
"I realise I have lived the dream of any kid who has picked up a rugby ball and wanted to wear the red rose of England."
"I'm extremely proud of the career I have had and I'd like to thank everyone who I have worked with over the years, from developing through the school and age-group ranks through to the international level and my current employers Bristol."
Regan is looking forward to the next phase of his rugby career whilst he progresses his coaching qualifications with the Rugby Football Union (RFU), and is currently discussing a number of offers to take up coaching roles as well as some business-led opportunities.
