BRISTOL hooker Mark Regan has never ducked a challenge during his long career and had no intention of bowing to pressure to withdraw from the Barbarians side to face South Africa at Twickenham on Saturday, so putting himself into contractual conflict with his club.
A disciplinary process will swing into action now that Regan has been confirmed as captain. A binding agreement among the 12 premiership clubs decreed that no player should be made available for a fixture that clashes with the EDF Energy Cup, a competition that brings substantial revenue.
Bristol will decide if there has been a breach of contract and what sanctions, if any, should be imposed. A Premier Rugby board meeting on December 11 will then review the matter.
The high-powered Baa-Baas outfit features six past and present All Blacks, and Australians Matt Giteau, Justin Harrison and Rocky Elsom, retired Welsh international Martyn Williams on the flank and uncapped Australian Salesi Ma'afu at prop.
Regan was persuaded to shirk a face-off with the media on Wednesday as the Barbarians did not want to be seen to inflame the situation. Regan, however, did read out a statement. "It will be a massive honour to lead out a star-studded team at Twickenham, my home ground," he said. "My two children, Daniela, nine on Monday, and Alexandra, six, are mascots so it will make for a nice enjoyable family day to walk out with them."
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