Rugby league nice Ray French, who commentated on the game for the BBC over 4 many years, has died on the age of 85.
French, a twin code rugby worldwide as a participant, commentated on each Problem Cup remaining for BBC TV from 1982 to 2008.
He earned 4 rugby union caps as a second-row ahead for England in 1961, earlier than switching to league, taking part in 4 instances for Nice Britain in 1968.
At membership degree, he performed league for St Helens from 1961 to 1967, making greater than 200 appearances, earlier than becoming a member of Widnes.
The Rugby Soccer League, the English sport’s governing physique, mentioned: “The Rugby Soccer League sends condolences to the household, former team-mates, media colleagues and plenty of associates of Ray French.
“Ray made an immense and distinctive contribution to the game of rugby league.”
French, who had a protracted profession as an English instructor in addition to being a commentator, began out as a rugby union participant for St Helens RUFC.
After switching codes in 1961, he was shortly named captain of the city’s rugby league facet, the place he gained the Championship and Problem Cup.
He was a part of the Nice Britain squad who travelled to Australia and New Zealand in 1968, for a tour that included that yr’s World Cup.
After retiring from taking part in, he began a job at BBC Radio Merseyside in 1975 and later turned a BBC TV summariser in 1979. In 1981, he changed Eddie Waring because the BBC’s lead rugby league commentator.
French went on to change into one of the crucial recognisable voices in rugby league earlier than retiring from commentary in 2019.
“Ray French was a real big within the sport of Rugby League,” mentioned Philip Bernie, head of BBC Sport Occasions.
“Following his exceptional taking part in profession – a world in each rugby codes – he turned the voice of the game. For practically 40 years, his distinctive, heat, energetic and enthusiastic commentary magnificently embellished the BBC’s protection of the sport.
“He was such a likeable and interesting broadcaster, and, for these fortunate sufficient to know him, a extremely great, loveable man. We’re so saddened by the information as we speak and ship all our ideas and sympathies to Ray’s household.”
French was given a spot on the Rugby Soccer League’s Roll of Honour in 2008.
Within the 2011 New 12 months Honours, French was made an MBE for his providers to rugby league.
St Helens mentioned the membership have been “deeply saddened” by his demise, and added: “His legacy as a Saint will see him lengthy remembered by each our membership and city, however his voice will likely be eternally linked to numerous reminiscences for supporters of so many golf equipment throughout the nation.
“Succeeding the nice Eddie Waring because the BBC’s rugby league commentator, French was the voice of virtually 30 Problem Cup finals, in addition to hundreds extra matches for BBC Radio.”
