Ray French, Former Bbc Rugby League Commentator, Dies Aged 85

1 month ago

Ray French, nan erstwhile rugby convention commentator, has died astatine nan property of 85. He had been surviving pinch dementia.

He played internationally successful union, winning 4 caps successful nan 2nd statement for England successful 1961, earlier moving to convention and joining his location municipality club, St Helens, that twelvemonth and helped them triumph nan Challenge Cup successful 1966. He appeared 4 times for Great Britain, successful 1968.

After 204 appearances for Saints he joined Widnes successful 1967, playing 123 games for nan Chemics. Away from nan transportation he was rugby maestro astatine Cowley precocious school.

French succeeded Eddie Waring arsenic nan BBC’s rugby convention commentator successful 1981 and retired successful 2019. In 2011, he was awarded an MBE for services to rugby league.

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Dave Woods, his successor astatine nan BBC, said connected X: “So galore fabulous memories of Ray arsenic some friend and colleague. He injected unthinkable warmth and passion successful his commentary and journalism. Just a wonderful, benignant and humble man. You ever wanted to beryllium successful his company.”

Jonathan Davies, his co-commentator connected nan BBC for galore years, said connected X: “Had galore awesome days pinch Ray he was specified a beautiful man. I dream nan RL appreciated what awesome activity did for nan game.”