Sky Sports today confirms the deeply saddening news of the death of Bill Arthur, the renowned rugby league commentator, who passed away at the age of 68 after a prolonged battle with prostate cancer. Bill, who died peacefully on Wednesday surrounded by his family, was a beloved figure within the Sky Sports family and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Arthur’s courageous fight against cancer, which began with his diagnosis in 2011, inspired many. He was known not only for his impressive career but also for his strength and resilience during his illness. Sky Sports extends heartfelt condolences to Bill’s family, requesting privacy during this difficult time.
Arthur’s career began in newspapers in South Yorkshire, where he worked for the Barnsley Star and Sheffield Star. He transitioned into radio, joining Metro Radio in Newcastle and Radio City in Liverpool, before moving into television with TV AM and Champion TV. His journey into sports broadcasting took a significant turn when he joined The Sports Channel in 1990, which later evolved into Sky Sports.
Though originally from Leamington Spa, Arthur’s dedication to rugby league was evident throughout his career. In the early 1990s, he became a familiar presence as the pitchside reporter for live rugby league matches and a feature reporter for the magazine programme Boots ‘N’ All.
His coverage extended to the early days of Super League, including witnessing Paris Saint-Germain’s victory over Sheffield Eagles at Stade Charlety and reporting from Old Trafford for the inaugural Super League Grand Final.
Arthur’s role evolved from pitchside reporting to commentary, where he made a significant impact. He called numerous memorable moments, including Gareth O’Brien’s dramatic golden-point drop goal in the 2016 Million Pound Game, which secured Super League survival for Salford Red Devils. Another highlight was the emotional commentary of Rob Burrow’s final game for Leeds Rhinos in 2020.
One of his most memorable calls came during the 2020 Grand Final, where he captured the thrilling moment when 19-year-old Jack Welsby clinched victory for St Helens over Wigan Warriors on the last play of the game. Arthur’s passion for the sport was also reflected in his commentary on the Catalans Dragons’ Grand Final runs in 2021 and 2023, despite their losses to St Helens and Wigan Warriors respectively.
Jonathan Licht, Managing Director of Sky Sports, expressed deep sorrow at Arthur’s passing. “Bill has been a cornerstone of Sky Sports’ rugby league coverage for the last 30 years. His commitment, passion, and dedication to the sport and its fans will be remembered fondly. Our thoughts are with his wife, Cherry, and their children, Simon, Meredith, Kit, and Nancy.”
In tribute to Bill Arthur, supporters will be invited to join a minute’s applause before each of this weekend’s six Betfred Super League fixtures, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, beginning with Thursday’s match between Huddersfield Giants and Leeds Rhinos at the John Smith’s Stadium.
RFL president and Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle paid his respects, stating, “Bill Arthur has been a constant in Sky’s coverage of rugby league since before Super League began. His commentary was marked by great humor, knowledge, and professionalism. He will be fondly remembered for his significant contributions to the sport.”
Bill Arthur’s legacy will endure through his contributions to rugby league, his impact on the sport, and the memories he created for fans and colleagues alike.