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.
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.
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.
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.”
Tributes 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.”
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