Orrell RUFC announce passing of Mike Slemen

Liverpool-born Slemen, who played 32 times for England and toured South Africa in 1980 with the British and Irish Lions, passed away on Monday (July 20).

Bill Lyon, President of Orrell RUFC, said: “It is with great sadness we hear about the passing of Mike, who was a lifelong member and previous coach.

"Orrell RUFC was very much in their heart. We would like to pass on our sincere condolences to the family."

World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont was Slemen's captain on the 1980 Lions tour.

"He (Slemen) was a great rugby player and a great all-round sportsman," Beaumont told englandrugby.com.

"He gave so much to the game in his playing days, as a club and England coach and as director of sport at Merchant Taylors' School, Crosby.

"He will be very much missed as someone whose generous spirit and outstanding athleticism graced our sport.

"Our thoughts are with his wife, Eileen, and his family."

Slemen, who was educated at St Edward's College, Liverpool, made his England debut against Ireland at Twickenham in March 1976.

He was part of the Northern Division team who beat the All Blacks 21-9 at Otley in 1979, and had a crucial role in the game's decisive try.

Slemen's running ability and change of pace were influential as England ended a 23-year wait for Grand Slam glory in 1980.

Ten of England's Grand Slam squad toured South Africa with the Lions that summer, and Slemen started the 26-22 first Test defeat in Cape Town.

Slemen's final Test was against Scotland at Murrayfield in March 1984, by which time he was England's most-capped wing with 31 appearances.

He retired in 1986 and went on to coach former club Liverpool, then known as Liverpool St Helens.

Slemen later joined the England set up, coaching the backs as part of Geoff Cooke's management team, also working at Orrell.