Ray French commentated on every Challenge Cup final for the BBC from 1982 to 2008
Ray French, a celebrated figure in rugby league who commentated for the BBC for over four decades, has passed away at the age of 85.
A dual-code international as a player, French provided commentary for every Challenge Cup final broadcast on BBC TV from 1982 to 2008.
He earned four caps playing as a second-row forward for the England rugby union team in 1961. He then transitioned to rugby league, earning four caps for Great Britain in 1968.
At the club level, he represented St Helens in rugby league from 1961 to 1967, making over 200 appearances, before joining Widnes.
The Rugby Football League, the sport’s governing body in England, issued a statement: “The Rugby Football League extends its condolences to the family, former teammates, media colleagues, and numerous friends of Ray French.
“Ray made a significant and unparalleled contribution to the sport of rugby league.”
French, who also had a long career as an English teacher, began his sporting career playing rugby union for St Helens RUFC.
Following his code switch in 1961, he was promptly appointed captain of the town’s rugby league team, where he secured the Championship and Challenge Cup titles.
He was a member of the Great Britain squad that toured Australia and New Zealand in 1968, which included that year’s World Cup.
After retiring as a player, he began working at BBC Radio Merseyside in 1975 and later became a BBC TV summarizer in 1979. In 1981, he succeeded Eddie Waring as the BBC’s principal rugby league commentator.
French went on to become one of the most recognizable 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 inducted into the Rugby Football League’s Roll of Honour in 2008.
In the 2011 New Year Honours, French was appointed an MBE for his contributions to rugby league.
St Helens stated that the club was “deeply saddened” by his passing, adding: “His legacy as a Saint will ensure he is long remembered by both our club and town, but his voice will be forever linked to countless memories for supporters of numerous 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
Eamonn McManus, chairman of St Helens, remarked: “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 positive and enduring ways during his full 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 hometown 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 extend 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 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.”