Irish international referee John Lacey has decided to retire from test officiating to take up a high performance referee coaching and talent identification role with the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU).

The third most-capped test referee in Irish rugby history, Lacey has taken charge of 37 international matches – 30 of them tests – between 2010 and 2018, and officiated four matches at Rugby World Cup 2015.

Lacey will take charge of his final international when Argentina face the Barbarians at Twickenham on 1 December and will continue to officiate at European and PRO14 level until the end of the current season before taking up his new role.

World Rugby Match Officials Selection Panel Chairman Anthony Buchanan led the tributes to Lacey, who represented Ireland Sevens, Ireland A and Munster before taking-up the whistle.

“John has been an outstanding servant of international officiating over a eight-year period, taking charge of 30 tests and making many friends along the way as a match official who always gave 100 per cent to the cause.

“In particular, as a senior member of the international panel in recent years he has played a strong role in mentoring and supporting the younger members of the group and it is these qualities that will be to the fore as he begins an exciting new chapter in his career. Everyone at World Rugby wishes him well.”

IRFU Head of Referees Dudley Phillips added: “John has been a leading member of the IRFU Referee Panel for a number of years and played a significant part in the team’s transition into the professional era. He has always looked to assist younger referees and develop and progress their careers, which makes his new role such a good fit. We look forward to John joining the referee department and working with the dedicated referee development managers, to identify and develop Irish refereeing talent.”