Legendary BBC commentator Ray French known as the ‘Voice of Rugby League' dies aged 85 as tributes pour in
The beloved broadcaster, who suffered from dementia in recent years, became known as the Voice of Rugby League after 30 years on the Beeb.
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Ray French was one of the Beeb's top broadcasters
Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
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The star had been battling with dementia in recent years
Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
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.
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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.
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.
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The special show will be broadcast on Radio Humberside and BBC Sounds in tribute to the star.
More to follow...
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