My Job In Munster: John Lacey

John Lacey combines his duties as a Coach Development Officer at Munster Rugby with his role as one of the top referees in world rugby.

John is from Tipperary Town and has been living in Limerick since 2000. He enjoys all sports especially rugby, hurling, tennis and golf.

A former Munster senior, junior, Ireland 'A' and Ireland Sevens player, John also played for Shannon RFC and won five All-Ireland league medals and eight Munster Senior Cup titles during a successful career.

John took up refereeing when he retired from playing and is now a highly respected official on the international circuit, taking charge of some of the top games in world rugby.

When did you join Munster?
I joined the IRFU as a Rugby Development Officer in 1999, based in Munster.

What do you do?
Player and coach development at all levels. I'm also responsible for Munster Schools Development squads. I work with senior coaches at squad sessions on technical aspects of the game. I also work with players at all levels regarding laws, IRB game changes and trends and referee focus.

What is the best part of your job?
Players going from development squads all the way to professional contracts and coaches getting through their various coaching badges and helping them through the process is very rewarding.

Also, working with the senior squad at training keeps me sharp for where I need to be and helping the players in any way possible.

Most memorable match?
As a player, the game which stands out is my first Heineken Cup cap for Munster against Harlequins in London in 1998, especially as I scored with Woody playing on the other team!

John Lacey dives over to score for Munster against Harlequins in 1998 CREDIT: Inpho

As a referee, the most memorable game was earlier this year when I took charge of my first Six Nations match between Wales and Italy at the Millennium Stadium on the opening weekend of the Championship.