Fergus Slattery, former Ireland and British and Irish Lions back row, dies aged 77

Former Ireland and British and Irish Lions back row Fergus Slattery has died at the age of 77, his club Blackrock College has announced.

Considered one of Ireland's greatest players, Slattery won 61 caps between 1970 and 1984 and captained the side.

Slattery helped Ireland win the Triple Crown in 1982 and 1985 and represented the Lions in the 1971 and 1974 tours to New Zealand and South Africa.

"Blackrock College RFC bows its head in gratitude, pride and sorrow as we remember one of our greatest sons," read Blackrock's statement.

"There are players who wear a jersey and there are players who define it. Fergus defined ours.

"To those who watched him play, he represented rugby at its purest.

"An open-side flanker of extraordinary intelligence, courage and relentless competitiveness, he always seemed to arrive first where the contest was fiercest."

Blackrock added that Slattery 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 team-mates, opponents, supporters and generations of young rugby players, who dreamed of following in his footsteps."

The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) president John O'Driscoll described Slattery as a "giant of Irish rugby who defined excellence in his era".

"His leadership, skill and unwavering commitment to the jersey set standards that continue to inspire generations of players," added O'Driscoll.

"Off the field, he carried himself with humility and integrity, embodying the very best values of our game."