@dailymailsport: Ray French, regarded by many as the voice of rugby league, has died at the age of 85. French commentated on the sport on BBC television for 32 years, having taken over from the great Eddie Waring in 1981. As a player, he won four caps for England in rugby union in 1961, before switching to league and making four appearances for Great Britain. French played more than 200 times for his hometown team St Helens, winning the league and Challenge Cup double in 1966, and finished his career at Widnes. After turning to broadcasting, he commentated on every Challenge Cup final between 1982 and 2008, before retiring from TV duties following the 2013 World Cup. In recent years, he suffered from dementia. Jonathan Davies, the Welsh cross-code rugby legend who worked with French as a co-commentator for the BBC, said: 'Really sad news of the passing of my friend and legend rugby player and broadcaster. #rugby #rayfrench #bbc #sport

Daily Mail Sport

Open In TikTok:

Region: GB

Saturday 26 July 2025 17:54:53 GMT