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LONDON - England hooker Mark Regan was today confirmed as captain of the Barbarians team to play South Africa at Twickenham on Sunday (NZ time) despite being warned by his club not to play.
Bristol had given Regan the week off as they are involved in a dead rubber Energy Cup match but say they want him to rest ahead of the following week's Heineken Cup fixture and warned he would be breaking his contract if he played at Twickenham.
Regan, however, is standing firm.
"I was asked to captain the Barbarians and I consider it a massive honour to do that," he said in a statement.
"It's going to be a great day for me and my family to lead out a star-studded side at Twickenham."
Regan's England front row teammate Andrew Sheridan, who was due to play on Sunday, has been withdrawn and will play for Sale in the EDF Cup instead.
Premier Rugby, the body that runs the Premiership, can prevent players taking part in the match as it falls outside a designated international weekend.
Jason Robinson, retired from club and international rugby, is due to appear for the last time in his illustrious career at fullback but will need to prove his fitness after fighting to recover from the shoulder injury that forced him off during the second half of the World Cup final.
The Barbarians, coached by Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan, have an impressive lineup that includes six past or present All Blacks - Joe Rokocoko, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Justin Marshall, Jerry Collins and Troy Flavell.
South Africa, who began their reign as world champions with a convincing 34-12 victory over Wales in Cardiff last Sunday, have delayed naming their team until they link up again with coach Jake White, who will be taking charge for the final time.
- REUTERS
