Regan the rebel is ready to defy Barbarians ban

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Despite the top 12 English clubs taking a united stand in refusing to release any of their players from the weekend Anglo-Welsh Cup ties, Regan is adamant that nobody will stop him turning the event into a family affair. The 35-year-old will mark the occasion by leading out the team with his daughters, Daniella, nine, and Alexandra, six, as mascots.

Baa-baa black sheep: Regan is prepared to go it alone

Premier Rugby Ltd will demand to know why Regan can play when a host of other internationals, in France and Ireland as well as England, have obeyed instructions to put their club first. His appearance could have repercussions for the player and his club, Bristol, who play Leeds at the Memorial Ground on Sunday.

Regan said: 'I understand the club's position and I will talk to them when I return next week. I'm slightly confused by the whole thing because I was given permission by the club. I then entered into a contract with the Baa-Baas and I'm keen to honour it.'

As one England front row forward stuck to his guns, the appearance of another was clouded in confusion. Within hours of the Barbarians naming Sale prop Andrew Sheridan among a 22-man squad, the Cheshire club described his selection as 'incorrect'.

Sale were in talks with Premier Rugby Ltd last night over their next move. Premier Rugby chief executive Mark McCafferty said: 'We have contractual obligations to our sponsors and broadcasters for the EDF Energy Cup this weekend, which is why we took the decision not to release any players for this match. We communicated that decision to the Barbarians last January.'

The Baa-Baas had no problem picking two other English players, Jason Robinson and Ben Cohen. Neither is affected by the club ban, Robinson because he has retired, Cohen because he is without a club since walking out on Northampton last summer.

A squad drawn from seven countries includes three of New Zealand's World Cup party — Joe Rokocoko, Conrad Smith, Jerry Collins — and two Wallabies, Matt Giteau and Rocky Elsom. The Baa-baas' coach, Ireland's Eddie O'Sullivan, will announce the team on Wednesday.

Barbarians (from): J Robinson, B Cohen, J Rokocoko, C Smith, M Nonu, I Neivua, T Shanklin, M Giteau, P Grant, J Marshall, A Sheridan, F Pucciarello, M Regan (capt), S Ma'afua, S Brits, T Flavell, L Charteris, J Harrison, B Cockbain, J Collins, R Elsom, M Williams.