Warriors pay tribute to Ray French MBE

Wigan Warriors joins the wider rugby league community in offering its sincere condolences to the friends and family of Ray French, who has sadly passed away.

French took over from Eddie Waring in 1981 as the BBCs lead rugby league commentator after a playing career that saw him play in both union and league, earning him an MBE in 2011 for his services to rugby league.

The BBC shared the sad news on their social media, stating: “Rugby league great Ray French, who commentated on the sport for the BBC over four decades, has died at the age of 85. Our thoughts, from everybody at BBC Sport, are with all his family and friends.”

The sport’s charity RL Cares posted on X saying: “Sad news Ray French MBE, the former St Helens, Widnes and Great Britain international and for many years the voice of rugby league on the BBC passed away earlier today.

Wigan Warriors Chairman Professor Chris Brookes said: “On behalf of everyone at the Wigan Warriors may I offer my deepest condolences following the deeply sad loss of Ray French.

“Ray was one of Rugby League’s gentlemen and a true Lion of the game. I had the privilege of becoming friendly with him through many overseas tours with Great Britain Rugby League and he was always encouraging and kind particularly in my early years as the Great Britain Team Doctor.

“I remember being asked some difficult questions at a press conference back in 2001 around an injury Terry O’Connor had suffered during a Test match v Australia. Ray recognised immediately the predicament I was in and defused the situation by asking to everyone’s amusement ‘Is Guinness (the sponsor of the series!) good for you?’  That summed up Ray- generous, warm hearted and a man steeped in everything that is good about our game.

“In his later years it has been a privilege to meet Ray in the Boardroom at St Helen’s with his enthusiasm and passion for Rugby League very much to the fore.

“He will be sadly missed.”