Fergus Slattery, one of Ireland's greatest rugby players and a key figure in the British and Irish Lions' 'Invincibles' tour, has passed away at 77. His club, Blackrock College RFC, announced his death, remembering him as a player who defined their jersey with "ferocity and grace."
Slattery earned 61 caps for Ireland between 1970 and 1984, captaining the side 18 times. He was instrumental in Ireland's Triple Crown victories in 1982 and 1985. On the Lions tours to New Zealand (1971) and South Africa (1974), he lost only one of 25 matches. The 1974 squad went unbeaten in 22 games, earning the nickname 'Invincibles'.
IRFU president John O'Driscoll hailed Slattery as a "giant of Irish rugby" whose leadership and skill inspired generations. After retiring, Slattery worked as a co-commentator for BBC Radio. He was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2007.