The Fans
Legends
In its rich history, Bristol has nurtured some of the great stars of the past and present.
We would like to thank Dave Fox and Mark Hoskins for allowing us to take advantage of the superb research they did for their book "Bristol Football Club (RFU) - 100 Greats". Dave and Mark contributed the information and the images.
If you would like to get more information on the club, its players and its history, then you can buy their book at most leading bookshops in Bristol.
To search for a particular player, use the Search box below.
Mark Regan
Position: Hooker
Date of Birth: 26/1/1972
Honours: Gloucestershire Schools, England Schools 16 Group, 18 Group, England Colts, England Students, England U-21, South West Division, World XV, Emerging England, England A, England, British Isles
Career: 1991-97 120 games
Scored: 10 tries = 49 pts
Mark Regan was always going to be a top rugby player. Coming from a rugby-loving family, he played the sport all his life. From Keynsham minis he progressed through junior rugby and played for Bristol Schools, eventually becoming a British Lion.
Educated at St Brendan's College, Regan developed into a strong, physical hooker. He complemented his power with athleticism and possessed deceptive pace. He was capped by England Schools at 16 and 18 Group levels and was an accomplished swimmer, representing the South West.
A Bristol Colt from 1988 to 1991, he represented Gloucestershire Schools and played for England Colts. He progressed from the Colts to the Bristol squad and made his club debut against Rugby in September 1991. He shared the hooking berth with David Palmer and Andy Lathrope before becoming the club's first choice hooker when Palmer retired.
He was part of a robust Bristol pack which was difficult to play against. A youngster in a pack of considerable experience, Regan quickly picked up the skills required to survive in top flight rugby. A technically superior striker, he was a good scrummager and was at his best in tight play. He practiced hard on throwing into the line-out and worked well with Andy Blackmore. He was also a good support player and tackler. An engineer in the family crane business, his job helped develop his strength and fitness levels.
Regan played for England Students, England Under 21 and Emerging England before touring Australia and Fiji with England A in 1995. He scored a try for England A against France that year before representing England A against Natal in a pre-world cup friendly in Durban.
He made his international debut in the first England match played in the professional era, against South Africa in November 1995. Regan played for England throughout the following two Five Nations tournaments, played in the last international played at Cardiff Arms Park, and won 13 caps in all in his first stint as a Bristol player.
In 1997 Regan toured South Africa with the British Lions. He competed with future Bristol hooker Barry Williams and Keith Wood for test selection and played in the third international. He left Bristol and joined Bath on his return. His last appearance for Bristol was against Bedford in the end of season play-off at the Memorial Ground.
Regan played for Bath for five seasons during which he continued to play for England. A European cup winner in 1998, Mark moved on to Leeds Tykes and was part of the 2003 England World Cup winning squad.
He then returned to Bristol for a second spell for the 2005-6 season and, following an impressive 2006-7 season, forced his way back into England contention eventually playing in the 2007 Rugby World Cup final against South Africa.
Also captained the Barbarians against World Champions South Africa at Twickenham.
