The funeral of Ray French MBE was held on Friday, 15th August 2025.
The players and staff of the St.Helens R.F.C. First Team formed a guard of honour outside the St Helens Parish Church as we paid our thanks and said farewell to one of our Town’s finest sons.
The Saints’ Chairman Eamonn McManus, CEO Mike Rush, Head Coach Paul Wellens, Leadership, Culture & Performance Coach James Roby, and Club Chaplain Paul Johnson were all in attendance, with McManus speaking a heartfelt eulogy at the service.
Ray sadly passed away in July. His legacy as a Saint will see him long remembered by both our club and town, but his voice will be forever connected to countless memories for supporters of so many clubs across the country. He was a school teacher turned dual-code rugby international, a newspaper writer, a successful author, and the iconic voice of the BBC’s Rugby League coverage on radio and television for 37 years.
Everyone at St Helens R.F.C. sends their condolences to the French family at this sad time.
