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Mark "Ronnie" Regan is ready!

The England hooker has been pounding the treadmill for the last few months in preparation for his Classic debut.

And now the pugnacious Bristolian is chomping at the bit to clatter in to ruck and maul.

Regan, is one of the big names for the Classic Lions, along with fellow new boy Colin Charvis.

He has represented England 46 times and also has a much-prized British and Irish Lions test cap.

The 37-year-old rugby star said: "It's always been on the cards for me to play in the Classic.

"I have cousins who work in Bermuda and I have visited before.

"They tried to get me to play for the Classic Lions before but I kept coming out of retirement so it was not the right time.

"But now I can take this opportunity and tick another box in my rugby career, which is great."

Ronnie, as he is known, retired from competitive rugby at the end of last season and has not played a competitive game since May.

But he has been doing plenty of coaching in his beloved home city of Bristol and is a well-respected pundit on television and radio.

He said: 'I took it easy when I first retired - I put on a few kilos and just enjoyed it.

"But I have seen how seriously some of the senior teams take the tournament and I thought I need to up my game if I am going to do myself and the jersey justice.

"So I have been working hard on the treadmill - getting my fitness up to where it needs to be.

"It's a shame there is going to be no scrums but I'll just have to let my feet do the talking.

"We'll be going out there to win and hopefully retain our crown.

He added: "It's not going to be a jolly and we'll take it seriously. But it's also about the social side after the game and enjoying a few drinks with old friends.

"I can't wait to be honest. I'm really excited about playing in Bermuda and I'm confident that I am as ready as I can be."

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