Latest news with #RayFrench
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
BBC Breakfast host announces very sad death news in moving tribute
BBC Breakfast presenters Rachel Burden and Roger Johnson took a moment to pay tribute to legendary rugby league commentator Ray French after the sad news was confirmed BBC Breakfast honoured the legendary rugby league commentator Ray French during Sunday's programme. Presenters Rachel Burden and Roger Johnson passed over to Hugh Ferris to deliver the latest sports updates as he broke the heartbreaking news to viewers. He revealed: "Ray French, the voice of Rugby League on the BBC for almost four decades, has died at the age of 85." Audiences were then treated to footage from a classic rugby match featuring Ray's distinctive commentary, showcasing his devotion to the game. Hugh continued: "After a career that saw him represent England and Great Britain in both rugby codes, he turned his hand to commentary, becoming one of the most distinctive voices in sport." "He was made an MBE for services to rugby league in 2011 before his eventual retirement in 2019. There is rarely a more distinct voice for any sport, Roger and Rachel." Handing back to the two BBC Breakfast hosts, Roger paused to offer some touching remarks, reports the Express. He said: "Absolutely, our thoughts are with his family and loved ones." Over the years, Ray had been fighting dementia, though it remains unclear when the sporting legend received his diagnosis. The Rugby Football League, the English game's governing body, honoured the icon on X, posting: "Ray made an immense and unique contribution to the sport of Rugby League - and is best remembered as the BBC's Rugby League commentator from 1981 to 2008." Tributes quickly began to flood in, with one individual remarking: "Very sad, RIP and condolences to his family. Absolutely fantastic commentator on Rugby League." A third person penned: "Legend of the sport and a thoroughly down-to-earth nice bloke. Loved listening to his commentaries on @BBCSport and @bbcmerseyside, the way he called the game was as if he took you with him to the match. R.I.P. Ray, and thanks for the memories." BBC Breakfast can be viewed on BBC iPlayer.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
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." Ray French's golden BBC commentary moments 'The voice of rugby league for a generation' 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."
BBC News
4 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
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 a dual code rugby international as a player, commentated on every Challenge Cup final for BBC TV from 1982 to 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 club level, he played league for St Helens from 1961 to 1967, making more than 200 appearances, before joining 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 switching codes in 1961, he was quickly named captain of the town's rugby league side, where he won the Championship and Challenge 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 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 went on to become one of the most recognisable voices in rugby league before retiring from commentary in his time in commentary he was also appointed as the rugby league correspondent for the Today newspaper when it was launched in was given a place on the Rugby Football League's Roll of Honour in the 2011 New Year Honours, French was made an MBE for his services to rugby 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." 'The voice of rugby league for a generation' 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."
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Legendary BBC commentator Ray French known as the ‘Voice of Rugby League' dies aged 85 as tributes pour in
The star had been battling with health issues in recent years ICON GONE Legendary BBC commentator Ray French known as the 'Voice of Rugby League' dies aged 85 as tributes pour in Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LEGENDARY rugby commentator Ray French has died at the age of 85, the BBC confirmed today. The beloved broadcaster, who suffered from dementia in recent years, became known as the Voice of Rugby League after 30 years on the Beeb. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Ray French was one of the Beeb's top broadcasters Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 4 The star had been battling with dementia in recent years Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Born in St Helens in 1939, Ray played for the England team in the Rugby Union before league. He played four of England's matches in the 1962 Five Nations Championships. He earned Great Britain four caps over his career before, as well as winning five finals in six seasons with the Saints as a back-rower. In 1968, he featured in two Test wins against France before playing for his country at the World Cup against Australia and New Zealand, that same year. Read More on UK News LAST RITES Ozzy Osbourne's book will be published 'uncensored' after rock legend's death However, he is most known for being one of the most famous rugby broadcasters in the country. Ray had become the voice of the Rugby League, eventually earning him an MBE in 2011. He had succeeded broadcasting icon Edding Waring in the role, when he took on the job in 1981 - remaining on the air for almost 40 years. In recent years, the star had sadly been battling with dementia before he passed away at the age of 85. The BBC will be airing a re-run of a 2016 episode of Rugby League Heroes which features Ray. The special show will be broadcast on Radio Humberside and BBC Sounds in tribute to the star. Inside Scotland and Lions hero's stunning house that boasts giant basement room with bar for FIFTY people to party Tributes to the star flooded in, after RL Cares announced the news on X. The post read: "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. "Ray, who has been suffering from dementia in recent years, was 85. Thoughts are with Ray's family." Jonathan Davies, the former Widnes and Great Britain star, also joined in on paying tribute to Ray. He wrote: "Really sad news of the passing of my friend and legend 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 the RL appreciated what great work did for the game. "RIP Ray my condolences to all your family and friends." 4 Ray played Rugby for End and won several prestigious accolades Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Ray's successor, Dave Woods, has also taken to X to share his heartwarming experiences with the star. Dave said: 'So many fabulous memories of Ray as both friend and colleague. "He injected incredible warmth and passion in his commentary and journalism. "Just a wonderful, kind and humble man. "You always wanted to be in his company.' Jonathan Davies, Ray's famous co-commentator, described his friend as doing "great work". He said: 'Had many great days with Ray he was such a lovely man. "I hope the RL appreciated what great work did for the game.' Tributes have continued to pour in, with Barrie McDermott - the longtime Sky Sports pundit - saying that Ray was a "genuine legend". Barrie 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." 4 Ray French was known as the Voice of the Rugby League Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
BREAKING: Ray French dies: Legendary BBC commentator and 'Voice of Rugby League' passes away
Legendary rugby league commentator Ray French has died at the age of 85. French had suffered from dementia in recent years, having spent over three decades working for the BBC and becoming the beloved 'Voice of Rugby League'. He also represented England in both rugby union and league. The St Helens-born icon was given an MBE in 2011. French succeeded Edding Waring in the role when he took the job in 1981. He remained on the air for nearly 40 years. There will be more to follow on this breaking news story and Mirror Sport will bring you the very latest updates, pictures and video as soon as possible. Please check back regularly for updates on this developing story.
