Former Ireland captain Fergus Slattery dies aged 77

Ellen O'Donoghue

Former Ireland rugby captain Fergus Slattery has died.

Slattery died late on Wednesday night at the age of 77, according to The Irish Times.

He captained Ireland on 18 occasions, made 61 Test appearances between 1970 and 1984, and was regarded as one of the best flankers of his generation.

He was a crucial member of the team that won the Triple Crown in 1982 and, three years earlier, led Ireland to seven victories in eight matches in Australia, including the two Test games.

Slattery was central to the achievements of the British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand in 1971 and, three years later, in South Africa.

The tourists produced legendary series wins; he suffered just one defeat in the 25 games that he featured in over the two tours.

He also played for the Barbarians on 18 occasions. His try against the All Blacks in 1973 has gone down in rugby history, replayed again and again by new generations of fans.

Slattery was inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame in 2007.

Born in Dún Laoghaire, he was educated at Blackrock College. He played on the famous 1966 Senior Cup team before joining Blackrock College RFC at the age of 17.

“It is with tremendous sadness and grief that Blackrock College RFC shares the news of the passing of Fergus Slattery,” the club wrote in tribute.

“Blackrock College RFC bows its head in gratitude, pride and sorrow as we remember one of our greatest sons.

The club said that Slattery's achievements in rugby are "woven into the fabric of Irish sporting history," and that he "represented rugby at its purest.

“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 team-mates, opponents, supporters and generations of young rugby players who dreamed of following in his footsteps.

“Today, we mourn his passing, but we also celebrate an extraordinary life lived with distinction, integrity, humour and pride. The blue and white jersey will forever carry his imprint.

“Many words in life are overused, among them the word ‘legend’. Fergus Slattery was not simply a legend. He was a legend of legends.

“Fergus was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. To his beloved wife Margot, daughter Nikki, son Cameron and his grandchildren, we extend our deepest sympathies from the entire Blackrock College RFC community.

“Fergus, thank you for everything you gave to this club, to Irish rugby, and to all of us. May he rest in peace.”