Ray French, former BBC rugby league commentator, dies aged 85

Ray French, the former rugby league commentator, has died at the age of 85. He had been living with dementia.

He played internationally in union, winning four caps in the second row for England in 1961, before moving to league and joining his home town club, St Helens, that year and helped them win the Challenge Cup in 1966. He appeared four times for Great Britain, in 1968.

After 204 appearances for Saints he joined Widnes in 1967, playing 123 games for the Chemics. Away from the pitch he was an English teacher and rugby master at Cowley high school.

French succeeded Eddie Waring as the BBC’s rugby league commentator in 1981 and retired in 2008, continuing on the radio. He was the rugby league correspondent for the Today newspaper when it was launched in 1986 and in 2011 he was awarded an MBE for services to rugby league.

Dave Woods, his successor at the BBC, said on X: “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, his co-commentator on the BBC for many years, said on X: “Had many great days with Ray he was such a lovely man. I hope the RL appreciated what great work did for the game.”