Former Ireland and British and Irish Lions back row Fergus Slattery has died at 77, Blackrock College RFC announced. The openside flanker earned 61 caps between 1970 and 1984, captaining Ireland 18 times. He led the side to Triple Crown victories in 1982 and 1985, plus a successful 1979 tour of Australia where they won seven of eight matches.

Blackrock's tribute called him a player who defined rather than merely wore the jersey. The club described him as playing with ferocity and grace without ego or theatre. IRFU president John O'Driscoll called Slattery a giant of Irish rugby who embodied excellence and unwavering commitment to the jersey.

Slattery toured with the Lions in 1971 and 1974, losing just one of 25 matches. He was integral to the famous 1974 Invincibles squad that went unbeaten in 22 games in South Africa. The World Rugby Hall of Fame inducted him in 2007, recognizing his extraordinary intelligence and relentless competitiveness on the field.

Born in Dun Laoghaire, Slattery continued representing Blackrock after retiring internationally and worked for BBC Radio. He played 18 times for the Barbarians, including the iconic 1973 win over the All Blacks. His legacy spans generations of players who dreamed of following his path.