2003 Rugby World Cup-winner reveals he hid disability from Woodward and teammates

Regan, known for his stints with Bath, Leeds Tykes, and Bristol, as well as his tours with the British and Irish Lions, has been living with deafness since the age of two.

Despite this, he chose to keep it hidden from both teammates and coaches throughout his career, fearing it could hinder his ambitions of reaching the pinnacle of rugby success.

"I've been deaf since I was two," he said. "I kept it a secret, because I’d seen it as a weakness and I had to if I wanted to get to the top.

"100,000 people in the crowd, you’re doing a lineout call to win the World Cup and you miss the lineout call and you don't hear it, it’s the difference between winning and losing, isn't it? And I don't think anyone or any coach would take that gamble."

Revealing the extent of his hearing impairment, he continued: "I can't hear S, F, C, W. A crowded room is very hard, so I lip read. But I didn't know any different as a kid, never told anyone, because I'd never get to the top. I can just see it.

"It never got out until I just thought, well at the end of the day I wear my hearing aids now, and I wear them with pride. I can hear the leaves whistling, I can hear the birds singing."

He added: "I’m the person that wanted to prove everyone wrong, that I can get to the top. You can succeed even with a disability these days, you can get to the top. I learned very quickly that you're not on your own, you're with the squad. You've got to trust in each other and believe and be accountable for your actions and learn your role in the team.

"I just wanted to get to the top and get to the furthest pinnacle of a rugby career you could possibly get to. Just giving my heart and soul and everything I possibly could give. I look back with great pride."

10. Owen Farrell - £1.46 million ($2 million)
Saracens are making waves in the Premiership, and Owen Farrell, their skipper, is reaping the rewards. The bulk of his net worth, a cool £1.46 million, flows directly from his dedication to Saracens.

9. Maro Itoje - £1.46 million ($2 million)
Teammate to Farrell both at England and Saracens, Maro Itoje is on a trajectory to become one of rugby's highest earners. His salary, comparable to the national skipper's, showcases his potential.

8. Charles Piutau - £1.85 million ($2.5 million)
Former All Blacks player Charles Piutau's move to Bristol Bears came with an eyewatering salary. The club's investment in him during his five seasons speaks volumes about his impact.

7. Handré Pollard - £1.94 million ($2.7 million)
The lone South African in the top ten, Handré Pollard, made his mark when he left the Bulls for Montpellier. Rumored to be earning around R15 million per season at Leicester Tigers, Pollard is a financial force.

6. Beau Ryan - £7.72 million ($10 million)
Transitioning from Rugby League to a TV Presenter, Beau Ryan's career has been highly lucrative. With rumors swirling around a net worth close to R200 million, Ryan's financial success is no joke.

5. Mike Tindall - £9.98 million ($13 million)
A member of the 2003 Rugby World Cup-winning squad, Mike Tindall has had his fair share of off-field challenges. Despite legal troubles, his net worth stands at an impressive £9.98 million.

4. Jonny Wilkinson - £20.9 million ($29 million)
Jonny Wilkinson's iconic Rugby World Cup-winning drop goal in 2003 has translated into substantial wealth. As the second-richest Rugby World Cup winner, Wilkinson's financial success is a testament to his on-field brilliance.

3. Sonny Bill Williams - £21.8 million ($30 million)
A dual-sport star in Union and League, Sonny Bill Williams, made waves in endorsements and earned well during his stint in France. His net worth stands at an impressive £21.8 million.

2. Sir Bill Gammell - £38.8 million ($50 million)
Former Scottish rugby player turned businessman, Sir Bill Gammell, is a knight, philanthropist, and a friend to political leaders. With a net worth exceeding £38.8 million, Gammell is poised for success even beyond the rugby pitch.

1. Simon McDowell - £39.3 million ($54 million)
Refereeing at two Rugby World Cups, Simon McDowell's journey from player to referee has been financially rewarding. His net worth, driven primarily by his chemical company Kilwaughter, exceeds an impressive £39.3 million.

You have five minutes to name every club to have played in the Gallagher Premiership, all 28 of them, since the division was established back in 1987.

It’s more difficult than it sounds.

Good luck, and let us know how you do