Career
Ray Cale, a native of Usk in Monmouthshire made his name as a rampaging, tough tackling flanker. He learnt rugby union at Ebbw Vale and Newbridge. In 1947, he played for a combined Pontypool, Blaenavon and Talywain side against the Australian national rugby union team
Cale made his Welsh debut against England at Cardiff Arms Park in 1949 as a backrower.
He played three Five Nations matches in the 1949 season. Wales came last in the championship.
In 1950, he switched to Pontypool Reconstruction Finance Corporation. He was known for his strong tackling and robust play. He scored a try against England at Twickenham and forced an error that led to Malcolm Thomas scoring a match winning try against Ireland.
He was a controversial omission from the British and Irish Lions team that toured Australia and New Zealand later that season.
He was deemed to be "too rough" a player for the tour. He joined Saint Helens the following season. His strong defensive game and robust running style allowed him to adapt easily to rugby league.
In 1951, he played against the touring New Zealand national rugby league team for Street Helens.
In 1953, he played for Street Helens in the Rugby League Challenge Cup losing to the Huddersfield Giants 15-10 at Wembley Stadium
He played 128 games for Saint Helens. Challenge Cup final appearances
Ray Cale played loose forward/lock in Saint Helens" 10-15 defeat by Huddersfield in the 1953 Challenge Cup final during the 1952-1953 season at Wembley Stadium, London on Saturday 25 April 1953.
County Cup final appearances
Ray Cale played loose forward/lock in Saint Helens" 5-22 defeat by Leigh in the 1952 Lancashire Cup final during the 1952-1953 season at Station Road, Swinton on Saturday 29 November 1952.