Tributes paid after rugby league legend Ray French dies aged 85

Tributes are being paid to Ray French, the former player turned commentator who passed away aged 85.

French's biggest success on the pitch was during the 1965/66 season, when St Helens won four trophies, he also captained the club a the campaign after before joining Widnes.

After this playing days were over, he turned into a commentator was a key voice on so many big moments in the sport.

Eamonn McManus, St.Helens R.F.C. Chairman, said: “Ray French was a giant of a man in every sense of the word.

“He touched and influenced so many people and in so many good and lasting ways during his rich and varied life as a school master, a rugby player and a broadcaster.

“His warm personality and unique voice will be sorely missed by all. But he leaves a permanent and meaningful legacy to so many in his home town of St Helens and throughout his beloved sport of rugby league.

“One of my greatest privileges as Chairman of St Helens over the last 25 years was getting to know Ray as a friend as well as an iconic figure in our sport.

“His loss is keenly felt and we all pass on our heartfelt condolences to his family to whom he was so close.”