- Date of Birth12 / 02 / 1949
- Lions Tours1971, 1974
- International CapsIreland /Lions
- Lions Origin SchoolsBlackrock College
- Lions Origin ClubsUniversity College Dublin, Barbarians, Blackrock College, Leinster, French Barbarians
Alongside Roger Uttley and Mervyn Davies, Fergus Slattery completed what is considered to be one of the best Lions back rows and played a crucial part in the victory over the Springboks in 1974.
Slattery took the open-side flanker's berth, from which he used his punishing pace and nose for possession to harass the South African backs from first whistle to last.
Where most number sevens targeted the stand-off from the scrum, the Ireland international was so quick off the mark he was able to get into the opposing centres as quickly as the ball.
The ‘Invincibles’ series was a second Tour for Slattery, playing 13 games in New Zealand in 1971, earning comparisons to Irish predecessor Bill McKay, although concussion and broken teeth suffered against Canterbury kept him from facing the All Blacks.
The Blackrock College alumnus won 61 caps in all for Ireland and was inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame in 2007.