Former rugby journalist dies two years into retirement

A former journalist who worked as a regional daily’s rugby league correspondent for 20 years has died after a long illness.

Ray Fletcher, left, worked for the Yorkshire Post from 1975 to 1995 and was the official statistician for rugby league between 1991 and his retirement two years ago.

He was also co-editor of the Rothman’s Rugby League Yearbook between 1980 and 1999 and played for Hull Rugby League Football Club as a junior.

Tributes have been paid to Ray in a story by the Yorkshire Post, following his death last week.

Trevor Hunt, chairman of the Rugby League Writers’ Association chairman and BBC Radio Manchester commentator, said: “From our side of the Pennines, it’s not often we say a Yorkshireman is legendary. But Ray Fletcher certainly was for his knowledge of the game and the statistics he could provide.

“You always knew that, if you just weren’t quite sure if someone had or had not achieved something, you could ring him and he’d tell you.

“He was used as the font of all knowledge for such things as Great Britain caps and there was nothing given in rugby league – for longevity and achievement – that didn’t have the stamp of Ray Fletcher.

“He was a great journalist and terrific bloke who wrote considered and knowledgeable pieces.

“He loved the game and that came through in his writing while he always really encouraged anyone who wanted to write or broadcast on the sport.

“As far as younger journalists were concerned, his standards were so exacting that everybody tried to emulate him but none of us really achieved that. Just by trying to do, though, ensured rugby league journalism was something to be proud of.”

When Ray retired in 2011, his services to the game were recognised by his induction to the RFL Roll of Honour.

RFL communications manager John Ledger, who succeeded him at the Post in 1995, said: “Ray’s work touched on the lives of so many people in Rugby League.

“The depth of Ray’s knowledge of Rugby League, its clubs, its players and its heritage was only surpassed by his passion for the game.

“Only a few weeks ago Ray bequeathed his meticulously kept records and collections to the RFL Benevolent Fund: the sport is all the richer for his work over the last half-century and more.

“Our thoughts are with Ray’s wife Muriel and family at this sad time. He will be sorely missed.”

Article source: http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1778843/Depleted-Ireland-in-rugby-rout-of-Canada

Former rugby journalist dies two years into retirement