RFL praise for French

The RFL has sent its congratulations to Ray French after the broadcaster, journalist and former Great Britain international was appointed MBE in the New Year Honours List.

French, 71, has received his MBE for services to sport and Nigel Wood, the RFL Chief Executive, believes the award is richly deserved.

“On behalf of the RFL and everyone involved in Rugby League I would like to extend heartfelt congratulations to Ray on an award which acknowledges all he has done for the sport in the last half century,” said Wood.

“Many people will know Ray from his broadcasting career with the BBC or his newspaper columns but his commitment to Rugby League runs much deeper.

“Ray has long been a champion of the Student Rugby League, one of British sport’s great success stories, and has been a tireless and unsung fundraiser for charitable causes and the game at grassroots level.”

French, who played his club rugby with his home-town club St Helens and Widnes, was appointed to the RFL’s Roll of Honour in 2009.