Rugby’s Elite Minds to Gather in the Netherlands for Inaugural European Rugby Conference

“Elevating the Game for Referees and Coaches” – A 3-Day Deep Dive into Rugby’s Strategic and Tactical Evolution

Amsterdam, Netherlands – March 2025

For the first time ever, Europe’s brightest rugby minds will converge in the Netherlands for the European Rugby Conference 2025, a groundbreaking three-day event set to elevate the game for referees and coaches. Organized by Rugby NL, this elite gathering will run from March 26 to March 28, offering an unrivaled platform for learning, debate, and networking at the highest level of the sport.

With the theme “Mastering Strategy, Leadership, and the Game’s Hidden Battles,” the conference is designed to dissect the finer details of rugby’s ever-evolving landscape—from the art of scrummaging and aerial dominance to the role of referees in shaping modern gameplay. Attendees will gain firsthand insights from some of the sport’s most respected figures, making this a must-attend event for coaches, referees, and rugby decision-makers across Europe.

The Lineup: Three Days of Expert-Led Rugby Insights

Day 1: March 26 – “Director of Rugby Role & The Lineout”

The conference opens with a powerhouse session from Johann van Graan, one of rugby’s top tactical minds, who will break down the essential attributes of a successful Director of Rugby—from player development to long-term strategic vision.

Van Graan will also dive into the set-piece battle, unlocking the finer points of lineout variations and attacking mauls. Meanwhile, Daan Human will lead an in-depth technical workshop on the art of attacking and defending the maul, showcasing how elite teams turn these moments into match-winning opportunities.

Day 2: March 27 – “Aerial Dominance & Scrummaging in the Modern Game”

Day two shifts focus to rugby’s most physically contested areas—the high ball and the scrum.

• Felix Jones will dissect the critical role of aerial dominance, exploring how controlling the skies can dictate territory, momentum, and counterattacking opportunities.
• Daan Human returns to take attendees inside the dark arts of the scrum, teaching the technical subtleties that separate a dominant pack from a struggling one. Coaches will gain insight into how set-piece power translates directly into attacking and defensive success.

Day 3: March 28 – “Modern Rugby: Strategy, Law Evolution, and Performance”

The final day of the conference is all about rugby’s future—balancing player welfare with the competitive edge required to thrive at the highest level.

• Johnny Lacey and Felix Jones will lead discussions on law changes, global trends, and the evolving role of referees, analyzing how officiating is shaping modern gameplay.
• Lyn Jones (Dutch National Team Head Coach) and Dino Bozic (Head of Performance, Rugby NL) will share insights into modern attacking play, statistical analysis, and referee-coach collaboration in shaping match outcomes.

The conference will close with a roundtable discussion featuring all speakers, giving attendees the chance to engage directly with some of rugby’s most forward-thinking minds.

A Must-Attend Event for Rugby Professionals

Whether you’re a referee looking to refine your authority on the field, a coach striving to elevate your team’s tactical edge, or a rugby analyst eager to explore the game’s next evolution, this conference will provide invaluable knowledge from the sport’s elite.

Tickets for The European Rugby Conference 2025 are now available! Secure your spot here:
👉 Official Registration

Prepare to elevate your game—see you in Amsterdam!