Former Irish rugby captain, Fergus Slattery has died aged 77.
Slattery, whose death was confirmed by his club, Blackrock College RFC, is remembered as one of the greatest ever players to put on the Irish jersey, having won 61 caps for his country between 1970 and 1984, with 18 of those caps coming as captain.
Slattery was part of the famous back row alongside John O'Driscoll and Willie Duggan which won the Triple Crown in 1982. He also featured on the country's squad for their Five Nations triumph in 1974.
"Fergus Slattery was a giant of Irish rugby and a player who defined excellence in his era," John O'Driscoll, former team mate and IRFU President said. "His leadership, skill and unwavering commitment to the jersey set standards that continue to inspire generations of players. Off the field, he carried himself with humility and integrity, embodying the very best values of our game".
"On behalf of the IRFU, I extend our deepest sympathies to Fergus's family, friends and former teammates at Blackrock College RFC, Ireland, British & Irish Lions and the Barbarians".
Slattery was a member of the only British and Irish Lions side to win a test series against New Zealand in 1971, while he also played a part in the famous Invincibles who went 22 games unbeaten in South Africa.
Paying tribute to Slattery, Blackrock College RFC released this statement.
"Blackrock College RFC bows its head in gratitude, pride, and sorrow as we remember one of our greatest sons," they club said in their statement. "There are players who wear a jersey, and there are players who define it. Fergus defined ours".
"From Stradbrook to the grandest stages of international rugby, he embodied the very best traditions of Blackrock College RFC - courage, intelligence, humility, and absolute commitment to the team beside him".
They added: "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".
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Fergus Slattery also made 18 appearances for the Barbarians, including their famous clash with the All Blacks in 1973.
He was inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame in 2007, alongside Ireland team mate, Tom Kiernan, as well as Jason Leonard, Jonah Lomu, Ieuan Evans and Joost Van Der Westhuizen.
Fergus Slattery's family had spoken about his struggles with dementia in an interview in 2023.
