Fergus Slattery, the former Ireland and British and Irish Lions flanker, has died aged 77.
Slattery made 61 appearances for Ireland between 1970 and 1984, winning the Triple Crown in 1982, and captaining his country on several occasions, notably the victorious 1979 tour of Australia.
But it was in the red of the Lions and black-and-white hoops of the Barbarians where his legend grew. Slattery toured New Zealand with the Lions in 1971, in what remains to this day the touring side’s last series victory against the All Blacks.
Three years later, Slattery was a part of the “Invincibles” tour to South Africa, where the Lions won 21 of their 22 fixtures and were held to a draw in their final match.
In 1973, Slattery started on the back row in one of the most notable matches in rugby history, as the Barbarians defeated New Zealand in Cardiff, inspired by Gareth Edwards’ spellbinding opening try. Slattery himself would cross for the invitational side, as well as providing the scoring pass for JPR Williams.
Slattery’s former club, Blackrock College RFC, in Dublin, confirmed the news on Thursday morning.
“Blackrock College RFC bows its head in gratitude, pride, and sorrow as we remember one of our greatest sons,” a statement read. “There are players who wear a jersey, and there are players who define it. Fergus defined ours.
“To those who watched him play, he represented rugby at its purest. An openside flanker of extraordinary intelligence, courage, and relentless competitiveness, he always seemed to arrive first where the contest was fiercest. He played with ferocity and grace, but without ego or theatre. Modest in demeanour, yet monumental in achievement, Fergus never sought admiration, but earned it universally from teammates, opponents, supporters, and generations of young rugby players who dreamed of following in his footsteps.
“Fergus Slattery was not simply a legend. He was a legend of legends. To his beloved wife Margo, daughter Nikki, son Cameron and his grandchildren, we extend our deepest sympathies from the entire Blackrock College RFC community. We are very grateful to have shared him with you and he will always be remembered with love and admiration by generations to come.”