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Matt Williams. William Pollock McLaren CBE (16 October 1923 19 January 2010) was a Scottish rugby union commentator, teacher, journalist and one time rugby player. You will be inspired! There was an incident in a match where Ubogos shorts were ripped down the side. Butler was born on 8 May 1957. Rugby's Great Heroes and Entertainers by Bill McLaren - Goodreads Bennett had also played against New Zealand for the Barbarians in 1973. 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. At the East Fortune sanatorium inEast Lothian, he was selected as one offive patients to take part in trials for anew antibiotic, streptomycin. Eddie Butler: Former Wales rugby captain and legendary broadcaster dies Ruck.co.uk: the leading rugby union news and content network delivering you the latest news, views and all the moves in Rugby Union. Not just a Scottish rugby legend, Bill McLaren is widely regarded as one of the greatest sports broadcasters of all time. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. Bill Mclaren: Flower of Scotland - YouTube He merely points out that the two brothers were well-fed! Calder also captained the Lions on tour to Australia in 1989. He saw no evil and spoke no evil. *His sidestep was marvellous like a shaft of lightning (description of Welsh wing Gerald Davies). Brown also captained Scotland ten times, including three victories over England. Bill McLaren - Alchetron, The Free Social Encyclopedia On Phil Bennett: "They say down at Stradey that if ever you catch him [Phil Bennett] you get to make a wish." It is not being overly melancholic to say that the Six Nations Championship has never seemed quite the same since McLaren retired. "For the exhibition we will put everything back to where it was left.". In 1947 he was back in Hawick and playing in a Scottish trial. The event combined show reels of some of McLaren's most famous moments and some of McLaren's favourite music including a specially recorded performance of Caledonia by Dougie MacLean and a performance by Ronnie Browne of The Corries. Renwick sent the ball sailing wide. 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. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. Among those to speak were McLaren's grandson Rory Lawson who competed for Scotland in the Calcutta Cup two days later. His first commentary was made while recovering from TB, describing table tennis matches for the hospital radio. We showed earlier that McLaren had a ready quip about him and his brother. He loved it when he got abuse from the terraces. McLarens final commentary in Cardiff eight years ago the 2002 Six Nations clash between Wales and Scotland saw the Millennium Stadium crowd sing For Hes a Jolly Good Fellow in his honour. In the modern defensive game, locks are less likely to make breaks. 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. During a career with the BBC which spanned almost 50 years, McLaren became the most famous and respected commentator in the game. He was known for sidestepping opponents to leave them floundering in his wake. Did this woman die because her genitals were cut? 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. This is unusual (Australias John Eales is the only other one I can think of). [5], McLaren studied Physical Education in Aberdeen, and went on to teach PE in different schools throughout Scotland right through to 1987. Then two through Janie: former Edinburgh and Scotland 7s player Jim Thompson and other son Alex. Please do pass the word on so many more people can enjoy the spirit of the late great Bill McLaren. New Zealand radio . Ubogo was a burly prop who could shift around the field. This week Ollie Campbell (Ireland & Lions fly half) told me that just the mention of Bill McLarens name brings great memories gushing back. He was renowned for his turns of phrase. And tributes to Bill McLaren poured in last night from some of the greatest players to have ever graced the game. This article gives you the quotes., who hes referring to, and an explanation. On the very few occasions that he got the ball without a defender in sight, he would charge up the field with knees lifted high. 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. McLaren would have chuckled at that notion, but the love of rugby in Wales was something he always compared to his native Scottish border country. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. When he hits you, you think the roof has just fallen in. Read about our approach to external linking. 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. However, there was a time when he lined up a kick as McLaren was commentating on a Scottish test. With one of his daughters, Nell, he was raising money for prostate cancer on the hike to Machu Picchu. Craig Quinnell was a giant (and I mean giant) lock. 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. Renowned throughout the sport, his enthusiasm and a memorable turn of phrase endeared him to all rugby fans. Hence, the runaway bullet description. His unique descriptions and authoritive voice added so much excitement, intrigue and enthral. Phil Bennet was a renowned Welsh flyhalf from the 1970s. When he hits you, you think the roof has just fallen in. Windsor said: The biggest fear with him was when he finishes how do we replace him? Watch this colourful video. Sadly, McLaren, known as 'the voice of rugby' for his brilliant BBC commentaries, had died earlier in the . 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 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.. Most Scotsmen would have been dejected, but he didnt show it.. I dont know which big man won the ball. "It was full of books, newspaper cuttings, magazines and videos - there were three piles of videos from floor to ceiling. Perhaps Gibbs most famous try for his country was the one that secured a Grand Slam against England in 1999. Three of the others died but I made what amounted to a miracle recovery.. He was capped for England 57 times between 1985 and 1993. Comments. Gerald Davies was capped for Wales as a centre in 1966. Bill McLaren died on 19 January 2010 at the age of 86 in his home town of Hawick. Now think of those gangly steps when under the influence of a particular illegal substance! Known as 'the voice of rugby', he retired from commentating in 2002. The image would haunt him for the rest of his days. At least the table doesnt bend and lean forward to crash through you. *Theyll be simply chuffed to bits down at. This is considered one of the greatest tries in the history of the sport. In his early union career, he toured with the British and Irish Lions to New Zealand aged only 22. Sidestep in a phonebox was referring to Robert Jones (Welsh scrum half). From next spring, the Bill McLaren 100 exhibition will share Hawick Museum with a display charting Hawick Rugby Club's 150 years. Youll find some lists of McLaren quotes that dont clarify who hes talking about. 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. It was there that Bill became music. A statue was unveiled in Wilton Park in Hawick in February 2013 followed in November that year by a bust of McLaren in the main reception area of Murrayfield Stadium. This refers to the rather large and burly Doddie Weir, an outstanding Scottish lock. He found the vitriol among supporters and the media in Wales over the top for then amateur sportsmen. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Renwick was also a placekicker, although not the usual first-choice kicker for his country. I think the jink is dying in modern rugby certainly the Welsh are trying to keep it alive lets hope its never lost. See less. McLaren began as a junior reporter with the Hawick Express and made his national debut for BBC radio in 1953, when Scotland were beaten 12-0 by Wales. A flanker, he had a trial for Scotland in 1947 and was on the verge of a full international cap when he contracted tuberculosis, which nearly killed him. JPRs former Welsh teammate, winger JJ Williams, 60, from Bridgend, said the commentator had the knack of finding adjectives to makes something ordinary sound fantastic. He was tough and willing. 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! His nickname was Car Crash for his effect on the opposition ball carrier! "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. 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. The late Graeme Moody was a widely respected radio rugby commentator for 35 years. He became more famous once his playing days were over for his work as a broadcaster, journalist and novelist. *Theyll be dancing in the streets of Hawick/Selkirk/ tonight. In this title, Bill McLaren talks poignantly about his entire life, focusing on his 50 years as chief rugby commentator for the BBC. William Pollock "Bill" McLaren, CBE (16 October 1923 - 19 January 2010) was a Scottish rugby union commentator, teacher, journalist and one time rugby player. 60 Of The Best - Great Quotes from the late great Bill McLaren (part 2 That teammate was winger Gerald Davies. Beaumont also captained England 21 times. In the Cambridge team, Butler brought a physical edge to a pack coached by the former Scotland international Ian Robertson, who was also to become a well-known rugby voice on the BBC. [2] McLaren was one of many post-war commentators who progressed from commentating on BBC Radio to BBC Television during the infancy of television broadcasting in the UK. Murray added: "Bill was like the Wikipedia of rugby, long before there was Wikipedia. Known as 'the voice of rugby', he retired from commentating in 2002. If youre not familiar with Celtic culture theres a notion that if you catch a tiny magical creature, it will grant you a wish. Here is McLarens view of the diminutive winger: Despite Battys stature, he was known for being hard as nails. Historian Murray Watson said he had spent two years going through 30,000 different items from the room. The switch to television came six years later. Here are the next 15 unique quotes from Bill McLaren: On French forward, Cristian Califano, built like a bicycle shed, And theres Beaumont in that English scrum looking like a man who enjoys his food , Theres a few stone o Border beef in that scrum, There goes 18 stones of prime Scottish beef on the hoof (anyone know who Bill is referring to here?). *Hes like a raging bull with a bad head. He would shuffle a deck and flash through the cards, matching a player with a number. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. [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". He was educated at Monmouth School and Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, where he studied French and Spanish between 1976 and 1978.Butler played as a number eight and gained Cambridge Blues in 1976, 1977 and 1978, Butler played in 16 matches for the Welsh national side between 1980 and 1984 and captained the side in six of those matches. Obituary: Bill McLaren was the most famous and respected - WalesOnline [3] Early life [ edit] Im a little unsure on how to unpack this quote. The place-kicking routines of some modern fly halves may seem to be increasingly odd and elaborate. The 62 year old, who has become a well-known commentator since playing, said: I enjoyed having banter with him before every Wales Scotland match. The WRU said it will remember Bill McLaren at the Wales v Scotland match at the Millennium Stadium on February 13, though it had yet to decide how. It simply did not matter. 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. Last weeks 15 Quotes from Bill covered Celebrations, Fisticuffs, Tough Guys & some Big Boys. This refers to Scottish fullback Gavin Hastings. "We have around 10,000 items of fan mail and we could only find one that had a complaint.". [5] While in the hospital, he began his broadcasting career, by commenting on table tennis games on the hospital radio. Younger rugby lovers marvel at Bills turn of phrase, his sense of sportsmanship and camaraderie and if you listen to Bills actual voice in the audio clip in the first post, they get a feel for the sheer excitement created when you hear his unique voice the voice of rugby as the late great Bill McLaren was called. Eddie Butler obituary | Rugby union | The Guardian A banner was also held up by one of the Cardiff crowd proclaiming: Bill McLaren is Welsh. 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. Rugby for orchestra and full voice, and nobody made a sound quite like Bill McLaren. Here is McLaren on a tall lock from the amateur era who also happened to be a copper. England was leading with minutes to go, and Gibbs took a pass from his teammate and cut back inside to get over the line. 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 . Rugby World Cup: Rugby's all-time greatest TV commentator revealed His smaller brother Scott was three inches shorter but with a similar frame. 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 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. But commanding the most space in the Wilton Park museum will be Bill's vast archive of rugby memorabilia and reports. We inspire a new generation with amazing, true, two minute stories about sportsmanship. HIS 50 years behind the microphone led to his reputation as the voice of rugby. I reckon thats why there are so many metatarsal injuries since many boots particularly football boots are so thin they offer no protection whatsoever. In the summer break the teenager was introduced to the Pontypool club, a more villagey, earthy Valleys side than the traditional east Wales big clubs, Cardiff and Newport. We searched and searched for images of the player and came up with a few grainy, jerky frames that stood in stark contrast to Bill's sharp recollections. Three of his grandchildren went on to play rugby, with Rory Lawson and Jim Thompson both current professionals. (This usually doesnt end up well for the catcher!). All rights reserved. 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. 21K views, 416 likes, 40 loves, 28 comments, 44 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from The Welsh Rugby Union: #WALvENG75: . Eddie Butler (rugby union) - Wikipedia 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. (c) Find someone who loves rugbyand send this link as a surprise gift (birthday, Christmas or any time just because you love them). Bill McLaren Rugby Quotes (With Explanations) - Rugby Dome Fri 10th Feb @PrestonfieldHH Get your tickets today!! Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. McLaren passed away at the age of 86 in 2010. He decided to leave well alone, since it seemed to improve his grip on his clubs. His novel, The Head of Gonzo Davies (2014), featured a rugby-playing supporter of Welsh independence, a thinly veiled autobiographical work about a back-row forward who has played for Wales but returns to his village in the valleys where the street lights have long gone outside the old rugby clubhouse. I think it might be easier to tackle a snooker table than Lomu. The study of the "voice of rugby" was where match-day preparations took place during his 50-year career. Scottish rugby union player, sports broadcaster & journalist, Scottish rugby commentators and journalists, "Tributes paid to woman behind Hawick's voice of rugby, Bill McLaren, after his widow Bette dies at 93", Vale Bill McLaren, we'll never see your like again, "Book review: Rugby's Greatest Heroes And Entertainers, by Bill McLaren", Bill McLaren: Scotland's legendary voice of rugby mourned across world The Scotsman, "Bill McLaren, the 'voice of rugby', dies aged 86", "Hundreds gather for funeral of Bill McLaren, the voice of rugby", "Characters from centre stage gather again to say last farewell to Bill McLaren", "Thousands gather at Murrayfield to pay tribute to Bill McLaren 'the voice of rugby', "Bill McLaren statue to be unveiled at Murrayfield", "Scottish Rugby Hall of Fame Inductees 2010", "Legends inducted into World Rugby Hall of Fame at Rugby World Cup 2015", Bill McLaren: Legendary 'Voice of Rugby' was a family man above all, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bill_McLaren&oldid=1124949584, Commanders of the Order of the British Empire, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Sports commentating, sports journalism, rugby player, This page was last edited on 1 December 2022, at 11:21.