Bill Arthur rugby league commentator dies at the age of 68

Bill Arthur, the legendary rugby league commentator for Sky Sports, has passed away at the age of 68. Arthur worked at the broadcaster for over 30 years, becoming their lead rugby league commentator in 2019. Diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2011, he passed away peacefully on Wednesday, surrounded by his family.
In a statement, Sky Sports described him as a "much-loved and respected" colleague who will be "missed terribly" and extended condolences to his wife Cherry and four children: Simon, Meredith, Kit, and Nancy.
Arthur began his career in local journalism before transitioning into radio, working for Metro Radio in Newcastle and Radio City in Liverpool. He then moved into breakfast television with TV AM, before joining The Sports Channel in 1990, which became Sky Sports the following year.
A dedicated rugby league fan, he quickly became the regular pitchside reporter for live matches and covered the introduction of the sport's Super League. He worked on every Super League final up until the end of the 2023 season, lending his voice to some of the competition's most iconic moments.
Jonathan Licht, Managing Director of Sky Sports, said: "We are truly saddened by the loss of our friend and colleague Bill Arthur. Bill has been a mainstay of Sky Sports' rugby league coverage for the last 30 years. I want to express my personal gratitude to Bill for his unwavering commitment to Sky, as well as the passion and devotion he brought to our viewers and fans of the sport.
"I know that Bill will be greatly missed by those who were lucky enough to work with him, and I would like to extend my condolences to Bill's wife, Cherry, and his family for their loss."
Eddie Hemmings, who was succeeded by Arthur as Sky Sports' lead rugby league commentator in 2019, also paid tribute. Hemmings, having been diagnosed with the same form of cancer in 2013, said: "Perhaps Bill's greatest battle came when - like me - he was diagnosed with prostate 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 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."
Image: Alamy

[@InMemoriam-t4p]

Rest in peace Bill.