Legendary rugby league commentator Bill Arthur dead at 68

The rugby league world has remembered one of the voices of the sport after his death left the game devastated.

The rugby league world has been left in mourning after legendary commentator Bill Arthur died on Thursday at the age of 68.

Arthur was one of the voices of rugby league in Great Britain, having covered the sport for the past 30 years and the UK Super League since it was founded in 1996.

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But Sky Sports confirmed the 68-year-old had lost his long battle with prostate cancer, dying peacefully on Wednesday surrounded by his family.

Arthur had been diagnosed with the disease in 2011.

The tributes flowed in for the commentator, with each Super League match kicking off with a minute of applause before each of the fixtures, kicking off with Thursday’s match between Huddersfield and Leeds.

RFL president and Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle said: “Bill Arthur has been a constant in Sky’s coverage of rugby league going back before the start of Super League, and on behalf of the sport and the RFL, I send my sincere condolences to his family and friends.

“There was always great humour as well as knowledge and professionalism in his commentary and interviews, and he will be fondly remembered for making a major contribution to our sport.”

Arthur was given a minute's applause in a match between Huddersfield and Leeds on Thursday. Photo: Sky Sports

Former Sky Sports lead commentator Eddie Hemmings, whose retirement elevated Arthur to the top job, called Arthur “an inspiration” particularly with how he fought his cancer.

“His courage in taking on the disease head on was an inspiration to men like me, who followed him every step of the way,” he said.

“He helped me fight the disease, which has now cruelly taken him from us, and I will never forget his support and the sound advice he gave me. Such a brave guy.

“Rest in peace Billy-Boy – your legacy will live on forever.”

Former commentator Mike Stephenson called Arthur: “A giant in the world of broadcasting at Sky TV.

“Bill will be missed but never forgotten, so rest in Peace my friend, sing out loud in heaven!”

St Helens star Alex Walmsley tweeted: “RIP Bill Arthur, was always a pleasure to talk to. One of the finest in our game.”

Castleford Tigers groundsman Stuart Vause wrote: “Absolutely gutted to hear the news of Bill Arthur’s passing. He was a true gentleman and the ultimate professional. Only spoke with him a few weeks ago and he was still battling hard.

“The world has lost a true legend. RIP Bill.”

Commentator Fraser Dainton commented: “Bill Arthur was quite simply one of the nicest people you could ever meet. Kind, gentle, generous, he loved the game and loved being part of the Sky RL family. He was the consummate professional, with a knowledge and expertise rarely seen. He was dearly loved by all of us. RIP.

“I will always be grateful for his help and advice when starting out as a commentator. He was one of the first on the phone giving me tips and advice, passing on phone numbers and always giving great encouragement. His generosity of spirit was incredible. Thank you Bill x”.

Rest in peace Bill Arthur. Photo: Sky Sports

Football presenter Chris Kamara said: “Gutted to hear that Bill Arthur has passed away. Loved his Rugby League & brought the game to life with his commentaries. I had the pleasure of working with Bill a couple of times. After his diagnosis for Prostate Cancer, Bill raised awareness for @ProstateUK. RIP Bill.”

ESPN commentator Rob Palmer said: “Heartbreaking news.

“Bill Arthur was one of the kindest, most caring, humble and pleasant people you could ever meet. An expert in his sport with the respect of everyone in RL.

“One of the first people to show me the ropes when we joined @SkySports many years ago. RIP Bill.”

Arthur is survived by his wife Cherry and his four children.

Arthur had a long career in journalism, beginning his career in newspapers in South Yorkshire before moving into radio and television, becoming a sideline reporter for live matches in the early 1990s.

He was also part of Sky Sports’ Super League coverage from the beginning, and moved into the commentary booth by the late 1990s.

He became the lead commentator for Sky’s Championship coverage from 2007 to 2012, before becoming the network’s lead rugby league commentator in April 2019.

It’s been a tough couple of weeks for the rugby league community after legendary NRL broadcaster David “Thirsty” Morrow died at 71 last week after losing his battle with brain cancer.