ABSTRACT A finite family of R I polynomials is introduced and studied. It consists in a set of polynomials of 3 F 2 form whose biorthogonality to an ensemble of rational functions is spelled out. These polynomials are shown to satisfy two generalized eigenvalue problems: in addition to their recurrence relation of R I type, they are also found to obey a difference equation. Underscoring this bispectrality is a triplet of operators with tridiagonal actions. The algebra associated to these operators is provided.