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Ireland and Lions great Fergus Slattery dies at 77

3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 4, 2026, 11:32 AM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

Ireland and Lions great Fergus Slattery dies at 77

Summary

Fergus Slattery, a legendary figure in rugby, passed away at the age of 77. Slattery earned 61 caps for Ireland and captained the team 18 times. He was a key player on the 1974 British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa, contributing to their unbeaten run. Blackrock College RFC announced his death, honoring his legacy within the sport. The rugby community mourns the loss of a player who significantly impacted Irish rugby history.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Capped 61 times for Ireland, Slattery captained the side on 18 occasions.
•He played a crucial role in the 1974 Lions tour to South Africa.
•Slattery was part of Irish teams that secured Triple Crown titles in 1982 and 1985.
•He was inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame in 2007.
•Blackrock College RFC shared news of his passing, recognizing his impact.

Latest Updates

1:26 PMYahoo Sports — Irish rugby mourns Fergus Slattery, former Ireland captain and Lions flanker, dead at 77
11:32 AMYahoo Sports — Ex-Ireland and Lions back row Slattery dies aged 77
11:32 AMBBC Sport — 'He represented rugby at its purest' - Ex-Ireland captain Slattery dies aged 77
10:50 AMYahoo Sports — Ireland and Lions rugby great Fergus Slattery dies aged 77

What they're saying

"
Fergus Slattery, the former Ireland rugby captain and British and Irish Lions flanker, has died. “Fergus Slattery was a giant of Irish rugby and a player who defined excellence in his era,” IRFU president John O'Driscoll, a former teammate, said in a statement. Slattery made his Ireland debut in 1970 against South Africa in an 8-8 draw.
— Yahoo Sports