Sky Sports rugby league commentator Bill Arthur has passed away at the age of 68 after a lengthy battle with prostate cancer.

Sky confirmed the news on Thursday, announcing that Arthur – who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2011 – died peacefully while surrounded by his family on Wednesday.

Paying tribute to Arthur, they wrote: ‘Bill was a much-loved and respected member of the Sky Sports family who will be missed terribly by his friends and colleagues. 

‘Everyone at Sky Sports sends their heartfelt condolences to Bill’s loved-ones and ask that their privacy is respected at this difficult time.’

Managing Director of Sky Sports, Jonathan Licht added: ‘We are truly saddened by the loss of our friend and colleague Bill Arthur.

Sky Sports rugby league commentator Bill Arthur has passed away at the age of 68

Sky Sports paid tribute to the commentator who worked for the organisation for over 30 years

‘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.’

Arthur is survived by his wife Cherry and his four children Simon, Meredith, Kit and Nancy.

Having started off as a pitchside reporter in the early 1990s, Arthur moved into the commentary box for Sky’s Championship coverage between 2007 and 2012.

He then took over from Eddie Hemmings as Sky’s lead Super League commentator in 2019.

Arthur commentated on Rob Burrow’s final match when he took to the pitch to play for Leeds Rhinos against Bradford Bulls in 2020

Arthur was on hand to commentate on the emotional scenes when Rob Burrow played his final game for Leeds Rhinos against Bradford Bulls in 2020.

Burrow passed away last month following a five-year battle with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

Alongside his former team-mate Kevin Sinfield, Burrow raised £15m for MND charities following his diagnosis.