This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. His spirit lives on here in this blog and in The Bill McLaren Foundation. [2] He would later play for Hawick RFC. sidestep 3 men in a phonebox? 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. 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.". Born in Hawick, in the Scottish Borders, in 1923, McLaren started out as a player and made the Hawick first XV prior to the Second World War, during which he served with the Royal Artillery. The switch to television came six years later. Renwick sent the ball sailing wide. Farewell to Bill McLaren 'the voice of rugby' - Logo of the BBC McLaren, now in his 86th year, lives quietly at his home in Hawick, in the beautiful Scottish borders. [11] 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 to the "Voice of Rugby". They say down at Stradey that if ever you catch him you get to make a wish. Some of his finest broadcasting work came in the form of montages and voiceovers during the London Olympics of 2012. 2023 BBC. A banner was also held up by one of the Cardiff crowd proclaiming: "Bill McLaren is Welsh". 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]. 60 Of The Best - Great Quotes from Bill McLaren (part 1 of 4 Most Scotsmen would have been dejected, but he didnt show it.. When Paul Thorburn kicked a record-breaking penalty from 64.2m against Scotland in 1986, it left legendary commentator Bill McLaren to utter the immortal words: "I've seen all the greatest goal kickers in the last decade, but I . We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. I think hes muttering a few naughty Hawick words. Here are seven quotes. Brilliant Jasen Id forgotten did ye notice? which was such a great way of grabbing your attention and generating the option for something trivial or intriguing. Bill McClaren Rugby at its Greatest - YouTube Video unavailable 0:00 / 0:31 Video unavailable This video contains content from Six Nations Rugby, who has blocked it in your country on. Invite us to tell stories in your school or club. [15], McLaren has continued to be honoured for his legacy in Hawick and in the sport of rugby. 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. Bill McLaren died on 19 January 2010 at the age of 86 in his home town of Hawick. New Zealand radio . Here is McLaren on one of the greatest players in the history of the sport: I look at Colin Meads and see a great big sheep farmer who carried the ball in his hands as though it was an orange pip. From his first marriage, to Jennifer Jones, Butler had three children, Rebecca, Hannah and Jack. Sandy Ryan captured the vacant WBO welterweight title as she secured a wide points win over Marie Pier Houle. Rugby World Cup: Rugby's all-time greatest TV commentator revealed Watch this colourful video. From next spring, the Bill McLaren 100 exhibition will share Hawick Museum with a display charting Hawick Rugby Club's 150 years. 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. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. [7]. However, when it comes to monster kicks, there can be only Welsh rugby player worthy of that giant-sized accolade. Fri 10th Feb @PrestonfieldHH Get your tickets today!! Stradey Park was the home ground for Llanelli RFC. 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. The Welsh golden age ofthe 1970s would not have been so gilded without the soundtrack of Bill to the exploits ofGareth Edwards. There was no audio, but you didnt need to speak Scots to lip-read that he was saying something that rhymed with rucking hell. In this case, the kicker is Peter Brown, who played 27 times for Scotland between 1964 and 73. Youll find some lists of McLaren quotes that dont clarify who hes talking about. Fri Feb 3 2023 - 10:29. As a rugby player, he was, to borrow one of his phrases, a "tearaway flanker", a forward with the Hawick first XV, hugely promising by all accounts and fanatical from the day his father took him to see the New Zealand All Blacks at Mansfield Park, Hawick. At 63, Meads wasnt particularly tall. Matt Williams. New on @Playing_Pasts today A DRAGON AMONGST 'LIONS'! The camera chose to focus on his rear at this moment. He would never have said anything about himself in such a way, for he was famously modest, a son ofHawick for whom adayaway from his home town was aday wasted. Who would even think, let alone say, something like this on live TV? It is not. In other words, the first part refers to Hasting pulling up his shorts. Three ofthe five died. Pontypool played on a public park, but were making a name for themselves in Welsh rugby, often not in a good way. 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. The beloved commentator sadly passed away in 2010 but his legacy will live on forever. Barry John, yes, maybe. Something went wrong, please try again later. Bill McLaren | Military Wiki | Fandom McLaren is describing the kicker action. He had a unique way to take an interest in every international player and making you feel so important when he bumped into you. In November 2001, McLaren became the first non-international to be inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame. Most populous nation: Should India rejoice or panic? Is climate change killing Australian wine? When Bill McLaren helped Scotland enjoy the sweetest of victories Born in Newport, south-east Wales, Butler was a first-generation public schoolboy and a first generation Welshman. 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. @Rich am not sure could be Jones, or @Brendan could be Phil Bennet or Gerald Davies who could also jink. I remember interviewing him once about his early influences, and he mentioned being impressed by the great Jack Manchester, captain of the All Blacks, in 1935. 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Just discovered this site I recall that a touch kick from one great home nation full back possibly Gavin Hastings or Paul Thorburn (?) They both go up like two pieces of white bread in a pop-up toaster. A look back at the glorious career of the BBC's world-renowned rugby commentator Bill McLaren, who passed away in January 2010 at the age of 86.John Inverdal. *Tweet, tweet, tweet commentary on Scottish full-back Peter Dods strange run up to a penalty kick. McLaren, from Hawick in the Borders, was known as the "voice of rugby" and died . As always you can unsubscribe at any time. Dooley towered over the opposition at 68. He moved out to the wing a few years later, where he played for his country through much of the 1970s. *Would ye like a Hawick ball, son ? 1953 was his first appearance on national radio and he went on . Monmouth, though, knew they had a real talent long before their pupil went to Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, to read French and Spanish (1976-79). Then two through Janie: former Edinburgh and Scotland 7s player Jim Thompson and other son Alex. [2], McLaren's journalistic career started as a junior reporter with the Hawick Express. This refers to Scottish fullback Gavin Hastings. But it was from the table-tennis commentary that the desire to call the shots on rugby union came. The Bill McLaren Foundation on Twitter Victor Ubogo who was capped for England 24 times between 1992 and 1999. 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. Here is McLaren on a tall lock from the amateur era who also happened to be a copper. The late Graeme Moody was a widely respected radio rugby commentator for 35 years. Winger Simon Geoghegan who was capped 37 times for Ireland between 1991 and 1996. Butler later became a published author. *Theyll be dancing in the streets of Hawick/Selkirk/ tonight. BBC Archive: Commentary gold with Bill McLaren - BBC Sport He was capped 61 times from 1990 to 2000. Re carpet slippers hes right. Having memorised the names, he then liked to watch the players in training, listening to them. Warren Gatland: has never forgiven Irish rugby after he was removed as Irish coach two decades ago. Among those to speak were McLaren's grandson Rory Lawson who competed for Scotland in the Calcutta Cup two days later. That teammate was winger Gerald Davies. 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He decided to leave well alone, since it seemed to improve his grip on his clubs. 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. Here is McLaren watching defenders bouncing off legendary All Black winger Jonah Lomu. Three of his grandchildren went on to play rugby, with Rory Lawson and Jim Thompson both current professionals. He was particularly offended by a piece in the Western Mail, a paper with little love for Pontypool, comparing him unfavourably with the French captain Jean-Pierre Rives, the warrior flanker with his blood-stained shirt. This video contains content from Six Nations Rugby, who has blocked it in your country on copyright grounds Bill McLaren's 'Best Bits' - Highlights from the Voice of Rugby Bill McLaren. William Pollock Bill McLaren, CBE (16 October 1923 19 January 2010) was a Scottish rugby union commentator, teacher, journalist and one time rugby player. Meanwhile, scroll down to choose a story categorised by a country or a sport. HIS 50 years behind the microphone led to his reputation as "the voice of rugby". You'll see why. 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. He found the vitriol among supporters and the media in Wales over the top for then amateur sportsmen. His nickname was Pine Tree. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. "Give me a wee tug on the sleeve, son, if you want to come in." Renowned throughout the sport, his enthusiasm and memorable turn of phra Photograph: David Rogers/Getty Images. Butler. The All Blacks that day looked like great prophets of doom. Lets just say that like all the best props, Ubugo had a substantial posterior. Read about our approach to external linking. *And its a try by Hika the hooker from Ngongotaha (Wales v New Zealand 1980). He almost jumped to his left and right without changing speed. Ex-Welsh great JPR Williams called McLaren an incredibly fair commentator despite his obvious love for the Scottish team. Ryan simply had too much for Canadian Houle as her precision and power saw her control . It was just that Bill, given the choice of two television monitors, liked to hunch over the one closer to him. Not just a Scottish rugby legend, Bill McLaren is widely regarded as one of the greatest sports broadcasters of all time. Which brings us to the next quote. In this case, McLaren is referring to the entire Springbok pack. With reference to Moss Keane prime Irish beef? Rugby greats from past and present gathered at Murrayfield last night to remember veteran commentator Bill McLaren. 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. [2] He switched to television commentary six years later. Tell a coach or teacher. Bill McLaren was considered by many to be the "voice of rugby" during his long commentating career Bill McLaren's career behind the microphone began with BBC radio in 1953. He was known as The Voice Of Rugby. 138KG of prime South African beef referring to the Springboks heaviest player ever, Flippie van der Merwe. Former Welsh international turned pundit and broadcaster Jonathan Davies, 47, was McLarens co-commentator for his final game and said he had grown up listening to McLaren before working alongside him. By 1983 he was captaining the Wales side while working as a teacher at Cheltenham college, whose Cotswold stone cloisters were a world away from the slag-black surroundings of Pontypool. How well will you do? He was used as a forward spotter, and on one occasion was confronted by a mound of 1,500 corpses in an Italian churchyard, an unpleasant experience which never left him. *I look at Colin Meads and see a great big sheep farmer who carried the ball in his hands as though it was an orange pip. His club was the Hawick Harlequins, Hawick being a town in Scotland. I dont remember Beaumont as being particularly large. 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 offering a friend a mint). The place-kicking routines of some modern fly halves may seem to be increasingly odd and elaborate. 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. Hes up there with great commentators like John Arlott [cricket], Henry Longhurst [golf], Dan Maskell [tennis] and Peter Alliss [golf].. And I dont think you ever will replace a fellow like that because he was just unique in the way he spoke and commentated on games.. Last weeks 15 Quotes from Bill covered Celebrations, Fisticuffs, Tough Guys & some Big Boys. Bill McLaren obituary | Rugby union | The Guardian Renowned throughout the sport, his enthusiasm and memorable turn of phrase endeared him to many. Bill's preparation was meticulous and involved a lot of card-play. 329 pages, Hardcover First published October 1, 2004 Book details & editions Loading interface. Bill McLaren - Wikipedia Well, no dancing in the streets of Hawick tonight but Scotland were unlucky to lose by a 14 pt margin. Over the following five decades he became one of the most recognisable and favoured voices on radio and television. Craig Quinnell was a giant (and I mean giant) lock. After their divorce, he married Susan Roberts, with whom he had a further three children, Jacob, Nell and Seth. Colin Meads was capped 55 times for the All Blacks from 1957 to 1971. But his impartiality was never questioned. Here is McLarens view of the diminutive winger: Despite Battys stature, he was known for being hard as nails. And tributes to Bill McLaren poured in last night from some of the greatest players to have ever graced the. Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Until his retirement in 2002, he was known as 'the voice of rugby'. Bill McLarens spirit lives on here in this blog and in The Bill McLaren Foundation. 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. Perhaps it was the . Over the. If there was violence, itwas never anything more than "brief shenanigans", and nobody ever kicked a ball badly, but merely made it look abit like one of Bill's own "scruffy nineirons". Enter your email address below and we will email you new posts: 60 Of The Best Great Quotes from Bill McLaren (part 1 of 4) Celebrations, Fisticuffs, Tough Guys, Big Boys and Bills Daughter, Linda, The Triumph Of Human Spirit Wins African Cup Of Nations, 60 Of The Best Great Quotes from Bill McLaren (part 1 of 4) | Great Moments Of Sportsmanship, 60 Of The Best Great Quotes from Bill McLaren - Part 2, 60 Of The Best Great Quotes from the Late Great Bill McLaren (part 3 of 4) | Great Moments Of Sportsmanship, 60 Of The Best Great Quotes from the late great Bill McLaren (part 4 of 4) | Great Moments Of Sportsmanship. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Keep up to date with the latest stories with our WalesOnline newsletter. Nice one Richard I heard a commentator, this weekend (15/2/15), actually try to use Bills exquisite expression. I almost didnt include this one because I dont know which player its about. I think McLaren is saying that hed quickly lay bricks to build a wall as a defense. Bill McLaren - Wikipedia Hes like Bambi on speed. What a description of one of Irelands greatest wingers. This refers to Finlay Calder, who won 34 caps for Scotland between 1986 and 1991. Bill Mclaren Quotes Part 3 about Runners (& jinkers); Passing; Kicking and Lineout Jumping (15 x Quotes), Bill Mclaren Quotes Part 4 Line-Out jumping (continued), Weather Conditions, Classic Mclaren, Looking Back (15 x Quotes). After retirement, McLaren wrote the book Rugby's Great Heroes and Entertainers in 2003. They are different. Former Welsh scrum-half Brynmor Williams said though he often found himself playing second fiddle to Gareth Edwards, Mclaren made him feel like an integral part of the Welsh set-up in the 1970s. My proof is McLarens commentary his shimmy shammy is a perfect description of those twitches. HIS 50 years behind the microphone led to his reputation as the voice of rugby. Bill McLaren Rugby Quotes (With Explanations) - Rugby Dome Anyone on or off Facebook. Gerald Davies was capped for Wales as a centre in 1966. He was unbiased, clear . We showed earlier that McLaren had a ready quip about him and his brother. All rights reserved. As fiercely passionate a Scot as you could wish to meet, McLaren never let nationality cloud his judgement. The son of a knitwear salesman, during the second world war Bill found himself in Italy, a second lieutenant in the Royal Artillery. No matter what it was you couldnt wait to hear what he had to say whenever he said that! He became more famous once his playing days were over for his work as a broadcaster, journalist and novelist. He would then resume his consultation of his match chart, a mass of tiny notes in many colours, before, at kick-off, turning his back on us. 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 experience would later colour Butlers journalism in print particularly he was sympathetic to the players plying their rough trade. McLaren had wanted to stay at her bedside but she insisted he go and carry out a commentating duty in Edinburgh on the Saturday afternoon. His nickname was Car Crash for his effect on the opposition ball carrier! *Hes like a raging bull with a bad head. 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". [2] Renowned throughout the sport, his enthusiasm and memorable turn of phrase endeared him to many.[3]. Here is McLaren on two sturdy brothers who were giants of Welsh rugby in more ways than one. When he hits you, you think the roof has just fallen in. 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. Rugby's Great Heroes and Entertainers by Bill McLaren - Goodreads 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. 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. Born in Chorley, Lancashire, he played 10 times at Test level and proved an exceptional player for Swansea RFC, for whom he made 242 appearances and skippered in 1976-77.

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