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 closing 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, enjoying 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 lots of pals 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 rapidly named captain of the city’s rugby league aspect, the place he received 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 enjoying, he began a job at BBC Radio Merseyside in 1975 and later grew to become 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 some of the recognisable voices in rugby league earlier than retiring from commentary in 2019.
Throughout his time in commentary he was additionally appointed because the rugby league correspondent for the At this time newspaper when it was launched in 1986.
French was given a spot on the Rugby Soccer League’s Roll of Honour in 2008.
Within the 2011 New Yr 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 can be eternally related to numerous recollections for supporters of so many golf equipment throughout the nation.
“Succeeding the good Eddie Waring because the BBC’s rugby league commentator, French was the voice of just about 30 Problem Cup finals, in addition to hundreds extra matches for BBC Radio.”
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