Former Shannon full-back John Lacey represented his province for the first time in a friendly against South Africa’s Transvaal back in December 1995 and since went on to score four tries in six Heineken Cup appearances for Munster.

Tipperary man Lacey started his rugby career in his local club Clanwilliam FC and played senior rugby with Cork Club Sunday’s Well. He also starred in the All-Ireland League for Shannon, winning five league and seven Munster Senior Cup titles.

Lacey, who has been employed with Munster Rugby as a Coach Development Officer since 1999 began his refereeing career in 2007 in the Munster Schools Cup competition.

Commenting on his appointment Lacey said “I am delighted with my appointment and grateful with the opportunity to referee a full international”.

“I would like to thank my colleagues at Munster Rugby who have given me huge support over the years with balancing my work and refereeing duties. I would like to give special thanks to the IRFU Referee Department, especially Owen Doyle and David McHugh who have given me great help and advice along the way.”

“Many thanks also to Munster Rugby Administrator Gerry Moore, who pushed me to referee my first game against CBC and St Munchin’s College in the Munster Junior Cup when the appointed referee failed to turn up. I really haven’t looked back since!”

In addition to Lacey, Bruff man George Clancy will officiate two games, Scotland v South Africa and England v New Zealand, while recently appointed North Munster Referee Recruitment and Retention Officer Peter Fitzgibbon has been named assistant referee for the England v South Africa game.

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