His tenacity and tireless work-rate combined with the ball-handling skills and pace of a back combined to make Fergus Slattery one of the best flankers of his generation.

His international career spanned a remarkable 14 years – from 1970-84 – and made him at the time of his retirement the game’s most-capped flanker with 61 appearances for Ireland.

Slattery also captained Ireland 18 times and led them on their most successful tour in 1979, when they won seven out of eight matches in Australia – including a 2-0 test series clean sweep.

Twice a Lions tourist, Slattery failed to break into the test team in New Zealand in 1971 but was an ever-present in the starting line-up three years later when South Africa were beaten 3-0. 

Between Lions tours, the Blackrock and UCD player appeared for the Barbarians in the legendary 1973 clash against New Zealand.