Rugby league legend French dies aged 85

Rugby league great Ray French, who commentated on the sport for the BBC over four decades, has died at the age of 85.

French, a dual code rugby international as a player, commentated on every Challenge Cup final for BBC TV from 1981 to 2008.

He earned four rugby union caps as a second-row forward for England in 1961, before switching to league, playing four times for Great Britain in 1968.

At club level, he played league for St Helens from 1961 to 1967, making more than 200 appearances, before joining Widnes.

The Rugby Football League, the English game's governing body, said: "The Rugby Football League sends condolences to the family, former team-mates, media colleagues and many friends of Ray French.

"Ray made an immense and unique contribution to the sport of rugby league."

French, who had a long career as an English teacher as well as being a commentator, started out as a rugby union player for St Helens RUFC.

After switching codes in 1961, he was quickly named captain of the town's rugby league side, where he won the Championship and Challenge Cup.

He was part of the Great Britain squad who travelled to Australia and New Zealand in 1968, for a tour that included that year's World Cup.

After retiring from playing, he started a job at BBC Radio Merseyside in 1975 and later became a BBC TV summariser in 1979. In 1981, he replaced Eddie Waring as the BBC's lead rugby league commentator.

French went on to become one of the most recognisable voices in rugby league before retiring from commentary in 2019.

"Ray French was a true giant in the sport of Rugby League," said Philip Bernie, head of BBC Sport Events.

"Following his remarkable playing career - an international in both rugby codes - he became the voice of the sport. For nearly 40 years, his distinctive, warm, energetic and enthusiastic commentary magnificently embellished the BBC's coverage of the game.

"He was such a likeable and engaging broadcaster, and, for those lucky enough to know him, a really wonderful, loveable man. We are so saddened by the news today and send all our thoughts and sympathies to Ray's family."

French was given a place on the Rugby Football League's Roll of Honour in 2008.

In the 2011 New Year Honours, French was made an MBE for his services to rugby league.

St Helens said the club were "deeply saddened" by his death, and added: "His legacy as a Saint will see him long remembered by both our club and town, but his voice will be forever connected to countless memories for supporters of so many clubs across the country.

"Succeeding the great Eddie Waring as the BBC's rugby league commentator, French was the voice of almost 30 Challenge Cup finals, as well as thousands more matches for BBC Radio."

Eamonn McManus, chairman of St Helens, said: "Ray French was a giant of a man in every sense of the word.

"He touched and influenced so many people and in so many good and lasting ways during his rich and varied life as a schoolmaster, a rugby player and a broadcaster.

"His warm personality and unique voice will be sorely missed by all. But he leaves a permanent and meaningful legacy to so many in his home town of St Helens and throughout his beloved sport of rugby league.

"One of my greatest privileges as chairman of St Helens over the last 25 years was getting to know Ray as a friend as well as an iconic figure in our sport.

"His loss is keenly felt and we all pass on our heartfelt condolences to his family to whom he was so close."

Nigel Wood, chair of Rugby League Commercial, said: "Ray French was one of the true gentlemen of rugby league and represented the finest qualities of the sport.

"A great player, broadcaster and a huge influence behind the scenes, and always as a force for good."

Leeds Rhinos posted: "Sad news today of the passing of rugby league legend Ray French MBE.

"Ray followed up a wonderful career as a player to become the voice of Rugby League for a generation of supporters. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time, Ray French RIP."

Former Leeds Rhinos player Barrie McDermott wrote: "Really sad news. A genuine rugby league legend and the voice of our sport for so many. A master of his trade, a man who had time for everyone. Always good with me, generous with his advice and kind with his time.

"Thoughts with his family and many friends. Rest In Peace Ray."

Jonathan Davies - a dual code international who represented Great Britain at league - said: "Really sad news of the passing of my friend and legendary rugby player and broadcaster.

"I know Ray had not been well for a while so I hope he passed peacefully. Had many great days with Ray he was such a lovely man. I hope rugby league appreciated what great work did for the game.

"RIP Ray. My condolences to all your family and friends."