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Daily Record
4 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Ray French dies as tributes paid to legendary BBC commentator and 'Voice of Rugby'
Ray French was known as the 'Voice of Rugby League' and became a popular figure on the BBC before he suffered from dementia in recent years. Legendary rugby league commentator Ray French has died at the age of 85. French who had a decade spanning career with the BBC and became the beloved 'Voice of Rugby League' had been suffering from dementia in recent years. The St Helens-born icon also played internationally in both union and league. He was given an MBE in 2011 for services to rugby league. French succeeded Edding Waring in the role when he took the job in 1981. He remained on the air for a total of 38 years, reports the Mirror. After confirming his passing, the BBC will be airing a re-run of a episode of Rugby League Heroes from 2016 which featured French. Tributes are flooding in following the sad news. The charity RL Cares announced the news on social media platform X. Their 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. His successor at the BBC, Dave Woods, added: "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." Former Widnes and Great Britain star Jonathan Davies also 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." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Leeds Rhinos hall of famer Barrie McDermott described French as a 'genuine legend'. "Really sad news," McDermott posted. "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." French played for England in union, winning four caps in the second row in 1961 before moving to league. He signed for his home town club, St Helens, that year and helped them win the Challenge Cup five years later. In 1968, he appeared four times for Great Britain in international league. French left to join Widnes after 204 matches in Saints colours and played 123 times for the Chemics. French also had a career away from the pitch. He was a rugby master at Cowley High School.


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.