When the Player Development Pathway was introduced, over 12 years ago, three Surrey volunteers decided to introduce Development Squads as part of the pathway at Under 13, 14 and 15. This was to catch Club and School players that were not selected for the County Squads, but still had huge rugby playing potential that could be nurtured and developed. Jack Regan took on the leading role of running the Development Squads, which have now become a three centred County wide programme, at each age group, with over 125 players participating at every centre.
The emphasis of the Development Squads is just that, developing players skills, with additional training sessions to their usual Club or School rugby, as well as also providing two small tailored inter centre games, based on simplified rules that allow the players to enjoy the game and play with smiles on their faces.
It was through this programme's east centre, that Harlequins Tighthead Prop, Kyle Sinkler was developed alongside his Club, Battersea Ironsides, who has also represented England at numerous age grade levels; Under 16, 18, 19 and 20 to be exact.
After a hugely successful contribution to Surrey Rugby, that will be felt by future players of the game for years to come, Jack will be handing over the reigns of the Development Squads to Simon Phillips, who has already been involved with the squads in a coaching capacity.
Earlier this month Jack received the England Rugby Mitsubishi Volunteers Recognition Award as well as receiving the Chairman's Cup, at the Surrey Rugby Annual Dinner and Awards Evening, earning him a standing ovation from Surrey management and fellow volunteers.
"Jack's tireless and unstinting efforts have contributed to such a successful concept. It has only ever been his wish, to ensure that the youth of today continue playing the wonderful game of rugby and remain playing in senior rugby post education or work. Not only this, Jack has overseen a huge number of coaches with their own personal development and given them the opportunity to take back to their Clubs and Schools, fresh ideas, acting as ambassadors for youth rugby. I know that Jack is looking forward to spending more time in Spain but he will be sorely missed for his drive and enthusiasm and I wish his replacement, Simon Phillips, well going forward" - Peter Vernon, Chairman of Player Development
