Ray French, the legendary BBC rugby league commentator known as the 'Voice of Rugby League', has died at the age of 85. The St Helens-born icon had been suffering from dementia in recent years, having spent over three decades working for the BBC.
French succeeded Edding Waring in the role in 1981 and remained on air for 38 years. He was awarded an MBE in 2011 for services to rugby league. The BBC confirmed his passing on social media, saying: 'Some sad news to bring you. Rugby league great Ray French, who commentated on the sport for the BBC over four decades, has died at the age of 85.'
Tributes have poured in from across the rugby world. Charity RL Cares posted: 'Sad news Ray French MBE, the former St Helens, Widnes and Great Britain international & for many years the voice of rugby league on the BBC passed away earlier today.' His successor Dave Woods said: 'So many fabulous memories of Ray as both friend and colleague. He injected incredible warmth and passion in his commentary and journalism.'
French also played internationally in both rugby union and league. He won four caps for England in union in 1961 before switching to league, signing for St Helens and helping them win the Challenge Cup in 1966. He later played for Widnes and represented Great Britain four times in 1968.
Beyond his playing and broadcasting career, French worked as a rugby master at Cowley High School. The BBC will air a re-run of a 2016 episode of Rugby League Heroes featuring French in his honour.
