Regan to make Super Rugby debut in New Zealand

Jack Regan from Birr has been selected to make his New Zealand Super Rugby debut for the Highlanders against Crusaders tomorrow (Friday).

The 23-year-old Offaly native recently signed a short-term contract with the Highlanders after a training stint with the Dunedin-based side. The towering second row forward previously demonstrated impressive form for regional outfit Otago in the Mitre 10 Cup.

Regan played for Leinster at a number of levels before moving on to Ulster, and he represented Ireland in the U-20 Six Nations championship.

The former Ulster player first moved to New Zealand in March of last year when he joined up with the Dunedin Sharks.

Jack recently featured for the Highlanders against the Crusaders and the Hurricanes in pre-season warm-up games. And he obviously impressed enough to earn a starting place for the meeting with the Crusaders in the Super Rugby Aotearoa (the Maori name for New Zealand).

Regan has been picked in the second row alongside Josh Dickson for the Highlanders’ clash against the Crusaders (kick-off 6.05am Irish time).

Jack is a son of former Birr and Offaly hurling star Daithí Regan, who won an All-Ireland senior medal with Offaly in 1994.

Daithí is delighted with the progress his son has been making and he told RTE Sport website: “It’s a fabulous opportunity for Jack and he will be up against two current All Black second rows in Scott Barrett, whose brothers Beauden and Jordie are all also All Blacks, and Sam Whitlock.

“Of course, it’s a massive test for Jack being up against two such quality players, but he told me that’s he’s really looking forward to it and that he can’t wait to get out on the pitch against the Crusaders.”

Daithí added that that Jack “loves the New Zealand style of rugby” and has “settled in very well in Dunedin”.

Jack started his rugby career as a youngster with Birr RFC and also played hurling for Birr GAA club when he was younger.

Early in 2020, Regan was released by Ulster not long after making his PRO14 debut against Leinster. Regan was previously with Leinster but moved north when he didn’t secure a full academy place with his native province.