Mark "Ronnie" Regan will play his last game of competitive rugby tomorrow, more than 18 years after he made his Bristol debut.

His career has taken in spells at Bath and Leeds, while he has won 46 caps for England, one for the British and Irish Lions and picked up an MBE.

He has played in two World Cups – Australia 2003 and France 2007 – claiming a winner's medal in Sydney and playing in the final in Paris.

He may take criticism for his confrontational style, but the way he crossed from the amateur era to the professional game, and maintained a down-to-earth approach, makes him one of the most refreshing characters in the game.

There are not too many like Ronnie – and rugby will miss him.