England hooker Mark Regan is set to defy a ban from both Premier Rugby and his club Bristol and will lead the Barbarians against World Cup winners South Africa in the year-ending 'international' at Twickenham on Saturday.

A Barbarians spokesman has confirmed that the abrasive number two has already joined the Baa-baas squad at their London hotel and will front up as captain at Wednesday afternoon's (UK time) media conference.

The latest development follows revelations on Tuesday that both Regan and fellow World Cup front row forward, prop Andrew Sheridan (Sale Sharks) were under pressure from their clubs not to take up the invitations to play for the Baa-baas.

Regan, who only this year returned to the England mix after a long absence, has joined up with the Baa-baas in defiance of orders from his club and Premier Rugby and will captain the Baa-baas on Saturday.

His club say they will fine him if he plays, but Regan appears ready to don the famous striped jersey of the Baa-baas.

It has also been revealed that Regan had played a full part in two meetings on Tuesday and was due to front up at a media conference on Wednesday - alongside Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan, who is in charge of the invitation team.

The Barbarians are adamant that Regan, who has been named captain for Saturday's Twickenham showpiece, will feature.

The stand-off over Regan continues, however, with the combative England hooker determined to skipper the invitational side.

Bristol have warned Regan he will be in breach of contract if plays in the match but the Barbarians maintain he will appear at Twickenham.

"Mark is playing and there's nothing left to say on the matter," added the spokesman. "He's accepted the invitation to captain the Barbarians and he will lead the team onto the field.

"We can confirm he joined up with the team for training yesterday. He's made the decision that he wants to play and is sticking to it."

Sporting Life / Eurosport