Gastsprekers European Rugby Conference

Felix Jones is an Irish rugby coach and former player who represented Munster and Ireland before retiring due to injury. He transitioned to coaching with Munster and later joined the South African national team, contributing to their 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cup victories. Recognised for his analytical approach, Jones has coached both attack and defence at the highest level.

Johann van Graan Johann van Graan is a South African rugby coach known for his people 1st approach, strategic mindset and extensive experience at both club and international levels. He was a key member of the Springboks’ coaching staff before taking over as head coach of Munster Rugby in 2017, where he led the team to multiple playoff appearances. In 2022, he moved to the Gallagher Premiership as Head of Rugby at Bath Rugby, aiming to rebuild the club’s competitive advantage. Van Graan is recognized for his meticulous planning, creating a world class environment and the ability to develop strong team culture.

Lyn Jones is a highly respected Welsh rugby coach and former flanker who played for Neath RFC and earned a cap for Wales in 1989. As a coach, he led Neath RFC, became the first head coach of the Ospreys, and guided them to their first Celtic League title in 2005. His career includes coaching roles with the Dragons, Russia, and the Welsh Rugby Union’s sevens program, as well as contributing to Dutch rugby development. Known for his tactical expertise and talent development, Jones has left a lasting impact on Welsh and international rugby.

Daan Human is a South African rugby coach and former prop known for his expertise in scrum coaching. After a successful playing career with the Bulls and Toulouse, he transitioned into coaching, specializing in forward play. He has been instrumental in developing dominant scrums for both the Bulls and the Springboks, contributing to South Africa’s 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cup victories. Human is highly respected for his technical knowledge, hands-on coaching style, and ability to build powerful forward packs.

John Lacey, born in 1973 in Tipperary, Ireland, had a successful rugby career as both a player and a referee. He won multiple titles with Shannon RFC and represented Munster, Ireland ‘A,’ and the Ireland Sevens team. After retiring as a player, he became a respected referee, officiating 37 international matches, including four at the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Now a high-performance referee coach with the IRFU, he focuses on mentoring and developing the next generation of officials in Irish rugby.

Dino Bozic is a Croatian international Strength and Conditioning Coach and Performance Coordinator. Educated in England at Exeter College, Plymouth Marjon University and Northumbria University, where he achieved a Master’s Degree in Science of Strength and Conditioning. Since July 2021 Dino is working for Rugby Netherlands. He currently is Head of Athletic Performance (Performance coordinator) for all Youth Sections, the Ladies XV and Mens XV team, responsible for designing, monitoring, developing and coaching all Strength and Conditioning programs in line with Rugby Netherlands Program and Development plan.