Though most widely remembered for playing rugby union, Fitzgerald was an accomplished sportsman, winning two All-Ireland boxing championships.
Fitzgerald studied at University College Galway, gaining a Bachelor's degree in 1973.
Playing in the amateur era, Fitzgerald also maintained a career in the Irish Army.
[3] Following his retirement from playing, Fitzgerald has continued to be involved in the game, and served as head coach of Ireland from 1990 to 1992, leading the side to the 1991 Rugby World Cup, where they reached the quarter-finals.
He has also had a career in media, appearing on Setanta Sports and RTÉ, the Irish national TV and radio service, as a rugby pundit.
Teddy Morgan took over captaincy on the field but Bedell-Sivright remained tour captain.
Note 9: Michael Owen captained the Lions in the first tour game, the test vs. Argentina in Cardiff.