England hooker Regan retires from internationals

Mark Regan has become the eighth member of England’s World Cup-winning squad to retire from international rugby.

The Leeds Tykes hooker, who started England’s last two Tests, discovered yesterday he had fallen behind Northampton’s Steve Thompson and Sale’s Andrew Titterrell in the pecking order for the autumn internationals.

The 32-year-old informed new England coach Andy Robinson of his decision, and told the Yorkshire Post: “I told Andy that I could not have done any more this season to be starting for England.

“How can I go from being first choice to third choice? I want to be number one, I don’t want to be sat on the bench.”

Regan’s club-mate Iain Balshaw has also been overlooked but he has only played three matches since recovering from a groin injury.

Regan, who also played second fiddle to Thompson during the World Cup and RBS 6 Nations, follows Martin Johnson, Lawrence Dallaglio, Neil Back, Jason Leonard, Kyran Bracken, Paul Grayson and Dorian West into retirement.