The beloved commentator sadly passed away in 2010 but his legacy will live on forever. *Would ye like a Hawick ball, son ? Wed have a little side bet of a sixpence on who would win the match and he would inevitably send a sixpence in the post for me a couple of days later.. I was desperately ill and fading fast when the specialist asked five of us to be guinea pigs for a new drug called Streptomycin, McLaren said in 2001. Theres the Quinnell brothers, two well-nourished individuals. Please do pass the word on so many more people can enjoy the spirit of the late great Bill McLaren. But his impartiality was never questioned. Many notable names from rugby and broadcasting attended the event with several sharing their own memories of Bill as a commentator, teacher, friend and family member. He had some tests along the way, especially when his son-in-law, the scrum-half Alan Lawson, or later his grandson in the same position, Rory Lawson, were playing for Scotland. He was renowned for his turns of phrase. This refers to Finlay Calder, who won 34 caps for Scotland between 1986 and 1991. In November 2001, McLaren became the first non-international to be inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame. Here is McLaren watching a flanker dropping the ball. Professional rugby has not always been kind to the romantics. They were coached by the fierce disciplinarian Ray Prosser, but Eddie the varsity youth, with his cultured tones and inevitable nickname Bamber, after the University Challenge presenter, fitted in with Pontypools ethos. Calder was an openside flanker who was known for his abrasive play. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. At the East Fortune sanatorium inEast Lothian, he was selected as one offive patients to take part in trials for anew antibiotic, streptomycin. They beat the world once by 70-3.. Here is McLaren on a tall lock from the amateur era who also happened to be a copper. It was Bennett who ran out of his own 22, side-stepping a string of All Blacks and starting the move that led to a try at the other end of the pitch. Bill McLaren's career behind the microphone began with BBC radio in 1953. He was known as 'The Voice Of Rugby'. While he convalesced, he began to commentate on table tennis for hospital radio. Max Boyce whose home village of Glynneath has played annual matches against McLarens hometown of Hawick for more than 56 years called for a minutes silence at Wales Six Nations clash with Scotland at the Millennium Stadium on February 13. In all he spent 19 months in hospital battling the condition and recalled crying myself to sleep each night as they took away my friends who had died that day. Matt Williams. Phill Bennetts club was Llanelli (part of which would morph into the Scarlets in the professional era). He said: I had the pleasure of co-commentating with him and learning from one of the best commentators the sport has ever seen or heard. Read about our approach to external linking. As well as building a replica of the famous Murrayfield scoreboard that sat above the East terrace, the exhibition will allow visitors to sit inside the original commentary gantry from the national stadium. I dont know which big man won the ball. On Victor Ubogus behind England v South Africa. Beaumont also captained England 21 times. The one-time captain of Wales was the natural heir of the voice of rugby, Bill McLaren, with whom he shared the BBC commentary box in his early days as a broadcaster. Some commentators will quickly blabber something innocuous to draw attention away from the incident. Scott had a longer career at the top end of international rugby. Anyone on or off Facebook. From his first marriage, to Jennifer Jones, Butler had three children, Rebecca, Hannah and Jack. Hes not a man you could hide in a lineout! John Beattie | 16:53 UK time, Tuesday, 19 January 2010. Photograph: David Rogers/Getty Images. Gerald Davies was capped for Wales as a centre in 1966. Here is McLaren on Scott Gibbs, a burly Welsh center who switched successfully between rugby league and rugby union. Known as 'the voice of rugby', he retired from commentating in 2002. However, he said it was fair to describe the room as "chaotic" and added: "It was an absolute tip. No one will ever evoke the spirit of Rugby like Bill. His smaller brother Scott was three inches shorter but with a similar frame. Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in, Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile. But by the time his international career was over in 1984, the No 8 had become slightly disillusioned with life in the goldfish-bowl of Welsh rugby. In his early union career, he toured with the British and Irish Lions to New Zealand aged only 22. Bill Mclaren would never be so uncouth. The All Blacks that day looked like great prophets of doom. Which brings us to the next quote. The depth of McLarens research became legendary, and he would spend days watching teams train in the week before a match, and then spend nights practising with his own special packet of cards. Here is McLaren watching a kicker for Hawick Harlequins who is furious with himself for missing a penalty kick. Having memorised the names, he then liked to watch the players in training, listening to them. We inspire a new generation with amazing, true, two minute stories about sportsmanship. Not just a Scottish rugby legend, Bill McLaren is widely regarded as one of the greatest sports broadcasters of all time. [2] Contents Early life These included Murray Walker (motor racing/Formula One), Peter O'Sullevan (horse racing), Harry Carpenter (boxing and rowing), Dan Maskell (tennis), David Coleman (athletics), Peter Alliss (golf) and John Arlott (cricket). One of his grandfathers was a brickie in the steelworks in Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire. The switch to television came six years later, and it was throughout the following four decades and more that McLaren came to be seen as the foremost authority in rugby commentary. England was leading with minutes to go, and Gibbs took a pass from his teammate and cut back inside to get over the line. Our previous quotes have generally referred to a single individual. They had 5 grandchildren, three through Linda: Scotland scrum-half and Gloucester player Rory, Morphsuits co-founder and former Scotland 7s player Gregor and a daughter Lindsay. His funeral took place on 25 January at Teviot Church in Hawick, followed by a private burial at the town's Wellogate Cemetery after his hearse was applauded through the town of Hawick by hundreds of well-wishers who lined the streets to pay their respects. Eddie went to Monmouth school, on the border of England and Wales, an institution reluctant to select players for Wales school sides. Hes up there with great commentators like John Arlott [cricket], Henry Longhurst [golf], Dan Maskell [tennis] and Peter Alliss [golf].. In the modern defensive game, locks are less likely to make breaks. No matter what it was you couldnt wait to hear what he had to say whenever he said that! (modern), Bill McLaren in 2002, the year of his retirement Photograph: Huw John / Rex Features. When they get going, its like watching cattle stampede, huge fellows who thunder about the paddock like mad rhinos. There wont be the same amusing phrases, the vivid descriptions of players and locations from the contemporary commentators. They say down at Stradey that if ever you catch him you get to make a wish. Aidan Smith's Saturday Interview: Welsh wizard John Taylor on one of rugby's great contests, Bill McLaren, standing against apartheid and his worry that Scotland are "building something". Sadly, McLaren, known as 'the voice of rugby' for his brilliant BBC commentaries, had died earlier in the . The BBC also wheeled Butler out when big, multi-sport events were taking place, his seemingly effortless bardic style bringing them to life. Bill played for Combined Services XV in Italy in 1946, Hawick High School XV in 1937 with Bill McLaren, second from right on back row, The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. Historian Murray Watson said he had spent two years going through 30,000 different items from the room. Let's see if you can match the quote to the player or coach! He used to say about my speed, If you blink youd miss him and If you knock a light off he could jump into bed quicker than the light goes off. I think hes muttering a few naughty Hawick words. His first commentary was made while recovering from TB, describing table tennis matches for the hospital radio. Then two through Janie: former Edinburgh and Scotland 7s player Jim Thompson and other son Alex. *Ive hardly ever had to pay to get in (the best thing in his view about 50 years of commentary at rugby matches). He was capped for England 57 times between 1985 and 1993. Born in Newport, south-east Wales, Butler was a first-generation public schoolboy and a first generation Welshman. Former Wales hooker Bobby Windsor called him nothing but a gentleman of the game and said he was the voice of rugby. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies. The Bill McLaren Foundation, a charity which exists to develop and promote rugby union and sporting opportunities, was launched at Murrayfield Stadium on 4 March 2010. I suppose somebody had to be alongside him, to offer the odd jarring note, but once the game and Bill were in full flow, they were best left to themselves. "We have now resurrected all of the furniture that was in there, things like the desk, the chair, the shelves, the typewriter and even the empty Hawick Balls tins he used for pens and paperclips. There he struck up a partnership with another former Wales international, Jonathan Davies, and an odd-couple relationship with the one-time English hooker Brian Moore. [12][13][14], On 11 March 2010, thousands of people attended a memorial celebration of Bill McLaren's life held at Murrayfield Stadium in the week leading up to that year's Calcutta Cup match which was played at the stadium. You may also know him as a top blazer in World Rugby. Im no hod-carrier but I would be laying bricks if he was running at me. [2], McLaren's journalistic career started as a junior reporter with the Hawick Express. His nickname was Pine Tree. Renowned throughout the sport, his enthusiasm and memorable turn of phrase endeared him to many. Tell a coach or teacher. The camera chose to focus on his rear at this moment. The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. Ryan simply had too much for Canadian Houle as her precision and power saw her control . The Welsh golden age ofthe 1970s would not have been so gilded without the soundtrack of Bill to the exploits ofGareth Edwards. The image would haunt him for the rest of his days. He was capped 61 times from 1990 to 2000. 329 pages, Hardcover First published October 1, 2004 Book details & editions Loading interface. [3] Early life [ edit] The late great, Bill McLaren was simply the world's best rugby commentator ever. Craig Quinnell was a giant (and I mean giant) lock. Fri Feb 3 2023 - 10:29. William Pollock McLaren, teacher and rugby commentator, born 16 October 1923; died 19 January 2010, BBC sports commentator and 'the voice of rugby union' for nearly 50 years, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning, 2023 Guardian News & Media Limited or its affiliated companies. New Zealand radio . [2] He spent 19 months in a sanatorium in East Fortune in East Lothian, where he was given the experimental antibiotic streptomycin, which saved his life;[2] of the five patients given the drug, only two survived. 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When he was discharged, he supplemented his work as a PE teacher with rugby reports for the Hawick Express, and was recommended from there to the BBC, joining the corporation in 1953. Bill McLaren was the best rugby commentator of all time and one of the best men the world has ever seen. It hurt him just before his retirement in 2002 that he was once denied access to an Australian training session. Join us to celebrate what would have been Bill's 100th year with this fantastic line up: Welsh rugby legend and Bill's former commentary box colleague JONATHAN DAVIES and pitch p . Hence the description of the run-away giraffe. He would shuffle a deck and flash through the cards, matching a player with a number. When his body never his voice began to show signs of age and the second finger of his right hand curled down permanently into his palm, he was told that a simple operation might restore it to the vertical. See less. Geoghegan was one of my favorite players in the early nineties, and I think McLaren describes him fairly well! As well as being awarded an MBE, OBE and CBE, Bill became the first non-international player to be inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame. The Yorkshireman, with his permanently peeved tone, and Eddie with an easygoing style which suggested that rugby was not the most important thing in the world, should not have worked, but it did, and the two became great friends over the years. Known as 'the voice of rugby', he retired from commentating in 2002. No, coo isnt a typo. Invite us to tell stories in your school or club. He knew it meant that the opposition feared him. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. The son of a knitwear salesman, during the second world war Bill found himself in Italy, a second lieutenant in the Royal Artillery. The Late Great Bill McLaren did! Youll find some lists of McLaren quotes that dont clarify who hes talking about. By 1980 Butler had won his first cap in the defeat of France in Cardiff. Calder also captained the Lions on tour to Australia in 1989. *Theyll be dancing in the streets of Hawick/Selkirk/ tonight. Oct 20 Celebrate what would have been Bill's 100th year with fantastic company & storytelling from @JiffyRugby & @MrAndrewCotter, plus special guests! Arguably the greatest sports commentator ever, certainly the greatest rugby commentator, Bill McLaren, known as The Voice Of Rugby believed passionately in sport and sportsmanship. In this case, the kicker is Peter Brown, who played 27 times for Scotland between 1964 and 73. The late great, Bill McLaren was simply the world's best rugby commentator ever. Breeks are breeches. Ive already described Doddie Weir in the previous quote. add Bill McLaren to 'my astro' Biography Scottish rugby union commentator, teacher, journalist and one time rugby union player. A Facebook group, backed by over 6,000 members, was campaigning to gain a knighthood for McLaren. He merely points out that the two brothers were well-fed! He almost jumped to his left and right without changing speed. Its seven years now since the man with the golden voice finally laid down his famous microphone. How well will you do? I was certain I would be next. Most populous nation: Should India rejoice or panic? Ive put the quote in the Scottish section because of the burn reference. The big Blackpool policeman standing like a lighthouse at the back of the lineout. Lets just say that like all the best props, Ubugo had a substantial posterior. The one-time captain of Wales was the natural heir of the "voice of rugby", Bill. McLaren was born in Hawick, in the Scottish Borders, in 1923 to a knitwear salesman from Loch Lomond-side who had moved down to the area. With the cameras trained on his face, the Scotsman yelled out his frustration. The twins and two more brothers did all play together for their club. Bill McLaren gathered thousands of items relating to the game during his years as a commentator, Bill McLaren was considered by many to be the "voice of rugby" during his long commentating career. This week we continue with Big Boys. Renwick was also a placekicker, although not the usual first-choice kicker for his country. In other words, the first part refers to Hasting pulling up his shorts. Siege Gun a gem. However, there was a time when he lined up a kick as McLaren was commentating on a Scottish test. Tackling like a car crash Here is McLaren on Scott Gibbs, a burly Welsh center who switched successfully between rugby league and rugby union. This week Ollie Campbell (Ireland & Lions fly half) told me that just the mention of Bill McLarens name brings great memories gushing back. The proud scot also liked to use Scottish phrasing which sometimes needs interpretation for the rest of us. McLaren passed away at the age of 86 in 2010. During his final commentary, Wales v Scotland in 2002, the crowd sang "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow"[8] and one Welsh supporter displayed a banner claiming "Bill McLaren is Welsh". William Pollock McLaren CBE (16 October 1923 19 January 2010) was a Scottish rugby union commentator, teacher, journalist and one time rugby player. I was fortunate enough to be playing at a time when he was at his peak and if you watched a match and he wasnt commentating it wasnt the same.. All 60 Of The Best quotes are categorised as follows: Celebrations x 1; Fisticuffs x 3; Tough Guys x 5; Big Boys x15; Running x 12; Passing x 1; Kicking x 10; Jumping x 4; Weather x 2; Absolute Classic McLaren x 5; Looking Back x 2 Encouraging students x 1; Sportsmanship x 1. Throughout his distinguished career he earned . His voice was instantly recognisable, and generations of rugby fans grew up listening to a man they believed to be fair, knowledgeable, and a lover of the game. [15], McLaren has continued to be honoured for his legacy in Hawick and in the sport of rugby. He particularly enjoyed having the Sunday pulpit to himself at the Observer rather than the daily grind at the Guardian. Bill's preparation was meticulous and involved a lot of card-play. Renowned throughout the sport, his enthusiasm and a memorable turn of phrase endeared him to all rugby fans. It was nothing personal. I reckon thats why there are so many metatarsal injuries since many boots particularly football boots are so thin they offer no protection whatsoever. Bill McLaren died on 19 January 2010 at the age of 86 in his home town of Hawick. His voice was unmistakable to generations of rugby fans, who grew up listening to a man whose knowledge and enthusiasm were equalled only by his impartiality. So I think the wall is the correct interpretation. It is not. The prop blithely stepped out of his breeks and bent over to put on the pristine pair. Bill McLarens spirit lives on here in this blog and in The Bill McLaren Foundation. *The All Blacks that day looked like great prophets of doom. He loved the characters in the game. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. McLaren also featured as a commentator on the video games Jonah Lomu Rugby and EA Rugby 2001, and also did voice work for Telewest Communications. Here is McLaren watching a lock forward making a break up the field. There was also an internet campaign last year to give McLaren, from Hawick in the Scottish Borders, a knighthood for his work. William Pollock McLaren CBE (16 October 1923 - 19 January 2010) was a Scottish rugby union commentator, teacher, journalist and one time rugby player. In McLarens 2005 autobiography he talked frankly about the greatest tragedy of his life: the death of his younger daughter, Janie, from cancer at 46, the three years of agony and the trauma of her final day. I thought the telephone box line was about Robert Jones. But despite an internet campaign last year, he was never knighted. VideoThe secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure, LGBT troops take love for Eurovision to front line, Why an Indian comedian is challenging fake news rules. Ive still got the fictional reports I used to write when I was a wee boy of seven or eight. was described as being like a siege gun.., I recall that Bill M often used the phrase now did ye notice.. when he was getting comment from Beaumont and referred to modern rugby boots as carpet slippers .Brings back such fond memories of watching 5 nations as it was then with my old man..priceless. He was particularly renowned for his place kicking which won plenty of games for his country. And given the stamp he put on so many of Wales most glorious post-war rugby moments, McLaren may well be missed almost as much in Wales as he will be in Scotland, not to mention the world over. McLaren lived in Hawick with wife Bette, who he met on a blind date at in the towns hall in 1947. [7]. He served with the Royal Artillery in Italy during the Second World War,[2] including the Battle of Monte Cassino. Bennets got his first cap for Wales when he came on as a substitute for an injured teammate. Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in, Please refresh your browser to be logged in, Classic phrases from commentator Bill McLaren, Up to 30% off + free delivery with Nike promo codes for members, 20% off selected orders with this Footasylum discount code, 20% off your order - New Balance discount code, Extra 15% selected orders 80+ with this Go Outdoors discount code, 20% off everything with this Sweaty Betty discount code, Compare broadband packages side by side to find the best deal for you, Compare cheap broadband deals from providers with fastest speed in your area, All you need to know about fibre broadband, Best Apple iPhone Deals in the UK April 2023, Compare iPhone contract deals and get the best offer this April, Compare the best mobile phone deals from the top networks and brands. Bill believed passionately in sportsmanship. A recreation of the office will act as a centrepiece of an exhibition to celebrate Bill's centenary. See also my TEDx Talk: How Sportsmanship Can Change The World. You'll see why. All rights reserved. Windsor said: The biggest fear with him was when he finishes how do we replace him? Bill McLaren followed the likes of Peter O'Sullevan, John Arlott, Harry Carpenter and Murray Walker into retirement and a generation of BBC commentators had finally fallen silent. Meads grew up on a sheep farm and raised his own family on a farm. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. But in that same year he contracted tuberculosis, and so began the second fight for his life. Perhaps Gibbs most famous try for his country was the one that secured a Grand Slam against England in 1999. Among those to speak were McLaren's grandson Rory Lawson who competed for Scotland in the Calcutta Cup two days later. Murray, who is a volunteer with the BMF, said: "Bill was enormously thorough in his preparations with his commentaries and for his writing - and he did all of his research in a time long before Google.". Here is McLarens view of the diminutive winger: Despite Battys stature, he was known for being hard as nails. The experience would later colour Butlers journalism in print particularly he was sympathetic to the players plying their rough trade. After retirement, McLaren wrote the book Rugby's Great Heroes and Entertainers in 2003. McLaren studied in Aberdeen and taught PE until 1987, coaching three players who went on to star for Scotland: Jim Renwick, Colin Deans and Tony Stanger. Fri 10th Feb @PrestonfieldHH Get your tickets today!! Here is McLaren on two sturdy brothers who were giants of Welsh rugby in more ways than one. The quote comes from McLaren watching Hastings preparation before a place kick. Here is where I disagree with the great commentator. Jones, who also now works as a commentator, said: He defined rugby for generations with his commentary and he was such a hard working man because the preparation he put in set the standard for everyone who followed him.. Three of the others died but I made what amounted to a miracle recovery.. On Jonah Lomu Its like trying to tackle a snooker table!, Now Im not a hodman, but if I saw Jonah Lomu running at me Id be putting down bricks, Ill tell you. [on Jonah Lomu]. He was unbiased, clear . Three of his grandchildren went on to play rugby, with Rory Lawson and Jim Thompson both current professionals. He was so effective that he displaced Will Carling from the test team. He was a pivotal part of the Pontypool side that was created by Ray Prosser and dominated Welsh club rugby in the late 1970s and early 1980s, captaining the side between 1982 and 1985. When he hits you, you think the roof has just fallen in. He would offer us that curled hand in a two-finger shake and a bag of Hawick balls, round brown sweets boiled in peppermint oil. Victor Ubogo who was capped for England 24 times between 1992 and 1999. In 1947 he was back in Hawick and playing in a Scottish trial. "For the exhibition we will put everything back to where it was left.". The disease nearly killed him and forced him to give up playing. Butler later became a published author. Bill McLaren was a legendary commentator on rugby matches. His unique descriptions and authoritive voice added so much excitement, intrigue and enthral. Pity they couldnt get over for that second try. News, views and all the moves in the world of Rugby Union, On Phil Bennett:They say down at Stradey that if ever you catch him [Phil Bennett] you get to make a wish., On Jonah Lomu:Im no hod carrier but I would be laying bricks if he [Jonah L] was running at me., On Grant Batty:He plays like a runaway bullet., On Gerald Davies:His sidestep was marvellous like a shaft of lightning., Its high enough, its long enough AND ITS STRAIGHT ENOUGH.. The great man from Hawick thrilled both radio and television listeners for almost half a century as a national broadcaster before retiring back in 2002. Eddies mother, Margaret (nee Asplen), was a Londoner and later the couple ran a guesthouse in Raglan, Monmouthshire.
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