Mark Regan has called time on his career after 19 years in the game © Getty Images

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Bristol hooker Mark Regan has announced that he will retire at the end of the 2008-09 season after 19 years in top-flight rugby.

Regan, 37, amassed 46 England caps during an international career that began in 1995 and ended in 2008 and won a British and Irish Lions Test cap in the third Test against South Africa in 1997. A spiky and combative character, he was part of the England squad that won the Rugby World Cup in 2003 and was instrumental in their march to the final in 2007.

At club level, Regan won the Heineken Cup with Bath in 1998 and Powergen Cup with Leeds in 2005. He began his career with his hometown club Bristol and following his spells with Bath and Leeds he returned to the Memorial Stadium following their promotion into the top-flight in 2005.

"I can truly say that I have loved every single minute of my rugby career," he said. "Any other sports professional will understand how difficult it is to make the decision to retire, and this announcement has not been an easy thought process."

"I realise I have lived the dream of any kid who has picked up a rugby ball and wanted to wear the red rose of England.

"I'm extremely proud of the career I have had and I'd like to thank everyone who I have worked with over the years, from developing through the school and age-group ranks through to the international level and my current employers Bristol."

Regan is currently undertaking his coaching badges with the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and is mulling over coaching and business opportunities.