Ray joined BBC television as a rugby league commentator in 1981 and in 1982 as a commentator for BBC Radio Merseyside. He’s covered major events including 25 Challenge Cup Finals, 14 Test Series v Australia and New Zealand, four Tri-Nations series and four World Cup Finals.

Before joining the BBC as a commentator, Ray was a schoolmaster from 1962 to 1994. Between 1958 and 1971 he enjoyed a career in both rugby union (St Helens, Lancashire, Barbarians, England) and rugby league (St Helens, Widnes, Great Britain).

Away from this work and his love for rugby, Ray enjoys watching cricket, boxing and athletics. He also plays cricket and crown green bowls, and is a keen gardener, loves the theatre (especially Shakespeare) and likes to read. Ray has published many books on rugby and is assistant editor of League Weekly magazine.