Ray Tabern's birth was registered in St Helens, Lancashire, England.

[5] Tabern switched to rugby league in November 1979, signing for Leigh.

[6] He played hooker and was man of the match in Leigh's 8-3 victory over Widnes in the 1981 Lancashire Cup Final during the 1981–82 season at Central Park, Wigan on Saturday 26 September 1981.

[citation needed] Tabern won a cap as an interchange/substitute while at Leigh in Great Britain's 7-8 defeat by France in the friendly at Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo, Venice on Saturday 31 July 1982.

[1] In March 1984, Tabern was signed on loan by Fulham RLFC until the end of the season.