Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Over the. It was there that Bill became music. *I was there (at Twickenham) in 1938 when Scotland won 28-16. Bill McLaren was the best rugby commentator of all time and one of the best men the world has ever seen. After their divorce, he married Susan Roberts, with whom he had a further three children, Jacob, Nell and Seth. I almost didnt include this one because I dont know which player its about. Please do pass the word on so many more people can enjoy the spirit of the late great Bill McLaren. For a year short of a full half-century, first on radio and from 1962 on BBC television, Bill's voice washed over rugby union, soothing and harmonious. All rights reserved. Welsh fly half Dan Biggar has a lengthy pre-kick ritual of repeatedly twitching and touching his hair as he stares at the ball on the tee. 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?). We showed earlier that McLaren had a ready quip about him and his brother. In 1947 he was back in Hawick and playing in a Scottish trial. Eddie Butler became the voice of Welsh rugby and a contributor to the Guardian and Observer. He was capped 61 times from 1990 to 2000. Sometimes you had to tug away for a wee while. *The All Blacks that day looked like great prophets of doom. From his first marriage, to Jennifer Jones, Butler had three children, Rebecca, Hannah and Jack. Bill Mclaren would never be so uncouth. He has two famous sons-in-law, Linda married former Scotland rugby scrum half Alan Lawson and Janie married horse racing commentator Derek Thompson. You got {{SCORE_CORRECT}} out of {{SCORE_TOTAL}}, Five Greatest English Flankers Of All Time, Lock Forwards In Rugby League (Number 13). England was leading with minutes to go, and Gibbs took a pass from his teammate and cut back inside to get over the line. Here is McLaren on a tall lock from the amateur era who also happened to be a copper. Gareth Edwards whose 1972 try for Wales against Scotland in the Cardiff mud was the inspiration for one of McLarens most well-known commentaries called him one of the great commentators, if not the best, in the world of rugby. Known as 'the voice of rugby', he retired from commentating in 2002. Butler became, more specifically, the voice of Welsh rugby, his mellow tones from those chilly, winter afternoons high in TV gantries and press boxes warming the listener, while his printed words on the game equally delighted readers of the Observer and Guardian. (c) Find someone who loves rugbyand send this link as a surprise gift (birthday, Christmas or any time just because you love them). The 60-year-old retired surgeon, who lives near Cowbridge, said: He was never biased towards Scotland, which was typified by the conversion of John Taylor at Murrayfield in 1971 [to seal a 19-18 victory for Wales]. He knew it meant that the opposition feared him. The late great, Bill McLaren was simply the world's best rugby commentator ever. 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. His career included winning the 1995 World Cup. Former Wales hooker Bobby Windsor called him nothing but a gentleman of the game and said he was the voice of rugby. Craig Quinnell was a giant (and I mean giant) lock. While he convalesced, he began to commentate on table tennis for hospital radio. Bill believed in sportsmanship - shaking hands, thanking the ref, respect, fun and, of course, competition. Something went wrong, please try again later. I thought the telephone box line was about Robert Jones. It was just that Bill, given the choice of two television monitors, liked to hunch over the one closer to him. Tackling like a car crash Here is McLaren on Scott Gibbs, a burly Welsh center who switched successfully between rugby league and rugby union. [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. 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. You can use our stories in a structured programme. The late Graeme Moody was a widely respected radio rugby commentator for 35 years. He was renowned for his turns of phrase. The proud scot also liked to use Scottish phrasing which sometimes needs interpretation for the rest of us. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. Here is where I disagree with the great commentator. He had a twin brother Jim who also played for Scotland and toured with the Lions (New Zealand in 1983). His unique contribution to the commentators art has been applauded by both his peers and listeners alike the world over.. It simply did not matter. 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". However, he said it was fair to describe the room as "chaotic" and added: "It was an absolute tip. 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. Loading interface. Renwick was also a placekicker, although not the usual first-choice kicker for his country. Later this year the foundation will host a major exhibition to celebrate the centenary of Bill's birth on 16 October 1923. 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.. Davies scored twenty tries in 46 tests, an impressive feat both then and now. Eddies mother, Margaret (nee Asplen), was a Londoner and later the couple ran a guesthouse in Raglan, Monmouthshire. 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. There was also an internet campaign last year to give McLaren, from Hawick in the Scottish Borders, a knighthood for his work. However, there was a time when he lined up a kick as McLaren was commentating on a Scottish test. Phill Bennetts club was Llanelli (part of which would morph into the Scarlets in the professional era). Murray Watson is going through Bill's vast archive ahead of this autumn's exhibition. Most populous nation: Should India rejoice or panic? I worked with him for a decade, one ofhis many "second voices". I reckon thats why there are so many metatarsal injuries since many boots particularly football boots are so thin they offer no protection whatsoever. Dooley towered over the opposition at 68. *And its a try by Hika the hooker from Ngongotaha (Wales v New Zealand 1980). 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. But McLaren isnt too impressed with the flankers ball-handling skills! When he hits you, you think the roof has just fallen in. [2], Recognition of his services came in November 2001, when he became the first non-international to be inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame. [2] He coached several Hawick youngsters who went on to play for Scotland, including Jim Renwick, Colin Deans and Tony Stanger. Orwhen some of his former pupils, suchas Jim Renwick, Colin Deans orTony Stanger, scored for Scotland. [7]. Gerald Davies was capped for Wales as a centre in 1966. Despite his size, Doddie could be a dynamic player. They beat the world once by 70-3.. Butler. This refers to Finlay Calder, who won 34 caps for Scotland between 1986 and 1991. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies. Among the personal highlights of his career were the commentary for Scotlands Grand Slam victory over England at Murrayfield in 1990. His nickname was Car Crash for his effect on the opposition ball carrier! His grammar school-educated father, Kenneth, was a research chemist who played amateur football for Wycombe Wanderers and three times for English representative sides as an inside-forward. 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. 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. Breeks are breeches. *My goodness, that wee balls gone so high therell be snow on it when it comes down. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. It troubled him that he was not by her side when she died, but Janie had ordered him to the commentary box. 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. Did this woman die because her genitals were cut? 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. McLaren is describing the kicker action. Ex-Welsh great JPR Williams called McLaren an incredibly fair commentator despite his obvious love for the Scottish team. Our previous quotes have generally referred to a single individual. Here is McLaren watching a kicker for Hawick Harlequins who is furious with himself for missing a penalty kick. 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. But in that same year he contracted tuberculosis, and so began the second fight for his life. Just discovered this site I recall that a touch kick from one great home nation full back possibly Gavin Hastings or Paul Thorburn (?) Here is McLaren on Scott Gibbs, a burly Welsh center who switched successfully between rugby league and rugby union. Read about our approach to external linking. A burn is a stream i.e. 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.. [2] Contents Early life His expressions and the sound of that unique Scottish burrrr, remain vivid memories for a generation who grew up to enjoy and admire his commentaries during the 50 years of his tenure. 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. Llanelli were one of the 11 founding clubs of the WRU in 1881 and one of the most famous names in world club rugby, producing legends such as Phil Bennett, Ray Gravell, Delme Thomas and Ieuan Evans. Then two through Janie: former Edinburgh and Scotland 7s player Jim Thompson and other son Alex. Scott played at centre and was bigger than most players at that level. I used to go with my father to see matches at a very early age, the great Hawick heroes including Willie Welsh, Jock Beattie and Jerry Foster, so I had an all-consuming desire to wear the green jersey of Hawick.[4]. 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. Commentators today cannot match the wit and the speed of his comments. Heres a comment about a different placekicker. See less. He decided to leave well alone, since it seemed to improve his grip on his clubs. The beloved commentator sadly passed away in 2010 but his legacy will live . 2023 BBC. He was selected for the British and Irish Lions in 1967, 1971, and 1974. 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. 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]. Sadly, McLaren, known as 'the voice of rugby' for his brilliant BBC commentaries, had died earlier in the year, but the visit to the Border town rekindled memories of Lawson's youth and gave him the subject matter to lift his side ahead of an encounter against the world champion Springboks. 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. "For the exhibition we will put everything back to where it was left.". William Pollock McLaren CBE (16 October 1923 19 January 2010) was a Scottish rugby union commentator, teacher, journalist and one time rugby player. [2] Renowned throughout the sport, his enthusiasm and memorable turn of phrase endeared him to many.[3]. 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. Im a little unsure on how to unpack this quote. Keep up to date with the latest stories with our WalesOnline newsletter. Renowned throughout the sport, his enthusiasm and memorable turn of phrase endeared him to many. This refers to the rather large and burly Doddie Weir, an outstanding Scottish lock. Brown was a forward who took the place kicks. That teammate was winger Gerald Davies. [5], McLaren studied Physical Education in Aberdeen, and went on to teach PE in different schools throughout Scotland right through to 1987. Stradey is a location in the middle of the town of Llanelli. "It was full of books, newspaper cuttings, magazines and videos - there were three piles of videos from floor to ceiling. His voice came to represent rugby in the same way Murray Walkers did motor racing and Peter OSullevans horse racing. Known as 'the voice of rugby', he retired from commentating in 2002. We won't even try and break down this Steve Fenwick try for you: nobody could do it better than the inimitable Bill McLaren . "We have around 10,000 items of fan mail and we could only find one that had a complaint.". He was tough and willing. Three ofthe five died. No matter what it was you couldnt wait to hear what he had to say whenever he said that! This is what McLaren had to say about Phil Bennett, the great Welsh flyhalf. Television now rules the rugby broadcaster, but there are still some superb radio commentators. Born in Newport, south-east Wales, Butler was a first-generation public schoolboy and a first generation Welshman. Explore in 3D: The dazzling crown that makes a king. Seeking inspiration for his first team talk as Scotland captain in November 2010, Rory Lawson decided to head for Hawick where his grandfather, World Rugby Hall of Fame inductee Bill McLaren, had taught and encouraged so many children to play rugby in a lifetime devoted to the sport. "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. We inspire a new generation with amazing, true, two minute stories about sportsmanship. He was known as 'The Voice Of Rugby'. McLaren lived in Hawick with wife Bette, who he met on a blind date at in the towns hall in 1947. Nice one Richard I heard a commentator, this weekend (15/2/15), actually try to use Bills exquisite expression. New on @Playing_Pasts today A DRAGON AMONGST 'LIONS'! Anyone on or off Facebook. One day, drawn by the smell ofdecay to a village cemetery, he rounded a corner and was confronted by a mound of 1,500 corpses. Some of his finest broadcasting work came in the form of montages and voiceovers during the London Olympics of 2012. HIS 50 years behind the microphone led to his reputation as the voice of rugby. 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.. It was through his junior reporting with the Hawick Express that he launched himself into a career of commentary, making his national debut for BBC radio in 1953, when Scotland were beaten 12-0 by Wales. Bill believed in sportsmanship shaking hands, thanking the ref, respect, fun and, of course, competition. It doesnt have to be someone who actually heard Bill. In the modern defensive game, locks are less likely to make breaks. He moved out to the wing a few years later, where he played for his country through much of the 1970s. He was known as 'The Voice Of Rugby'. 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). He went on the first two of those tours. You can probably tell that McLaren wasnt too impressed with Browns kicking style! 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. 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. But it was from the table-tennis commentary that the desire to call the shots on rugby union came. His unique descriptions and authoritive voice added so much excitement, intrigue and enthral. During his final commentary, Wales v Scotland in 2002, the crowd sang "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow" and one Welsh supporter displayed a banner claiming "Bill McLaren is Welsh". 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 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. 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. 21K views, 416 likes, 40 loves, 28 comments, 44 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from The Welsh Rugby Union: #WALvENG75: . Regarding He could sidestep 3 men in a telephone box would this be a welsh wizard, Barry John? Watch this colourful video. 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. Among those to speak were McLaren's grandson Rory Lawson who competed for Scotland in the Calcutta Cup two days later. (modern), Bill McLaren in 2002, the year of his retirement Photograph: Huw John / Rex Features. Here is McLarens view of the diminutive winger: Despite Battys stature, he was known for being hard as nails. Video, The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure, Hawick pays tribute to its most famous son, BBC Archive: Commentary gold with Bill McLaren, Trump mistrial request denied in NY rape lawsuit, Explosion derails train in Russian border region, US rock band Aerosmith announce farewell tour, MasterChef Australia host Jock Zonfrillo dies, DeSantis-backed board votes to countersue Disney, Father tells how gunman opened fire on Texas home, Street piano confiscated as public 'break rules', NFL player's daughter, aged two, drowns in pool, Russia launches missile attacks on Ukraine. But McLaren was never a coarse man! A recreation of the office will act as a centrepiece of an exhibition to celebrate Bill's centenary. He was a very special person., Welsh Rugby Union group chief executive Roger Lewis said: When he retired from the game he was missed in the manner that many of the greatest players in Welsh rugby history have been, which is some accolade in itself, before you consider he was a Scotsman..
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