[2] Renowned throughout the sport, his enthusiasm and memorable turn of phrase endeared him to many. Hes like Bambi on speed. What a description of one of Irelands greatest wingers. You can use our stories in a structured programme. 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. He has two famous sons-in-law, Linda married former Scotland rugby scrum half Alan Lawson and Janie married horse racing commentator Derek Thompson. 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. Here is where I disagree with the great commentator. It simply did not matter. Many of his quips and quotes live on in the fond memories of rugby supporters. 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 sidestep was marvellous like a shaft of lightning (description of Welsh wing Gerald Davies). Im a little unsure on how to unpack this quote. 2023 BBC. This weekend, like any other when the Six Nations Championship is being held, he will watch the matches from television at his home. *Hes like a raging bull with a bad head. 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. While he convalesced, he began to commentate on table tennis for hospital radio. My proof is McLarens commentary his shimmy shammy is a perfect description of those twitches. He loved it when he got abuse from the terraces. Eddie Butler (rugby union) - Wikipedia Matt Williams. His unique descriptions and authoritive voice added so much excitement, intrigue and enthral. Prosser realised that Butler, with his analytical, calmer approach to the game, could bring something extra to his side, and by 1979 the great Wales coach Carwyn Jones was canvassing for the 21-year-old Butler to be captain of the Wales B team. He was particularly renowned for his place kicking which won plenty of games for his country. BBC Rewind pays tribute to legendary commentator Bill McLaren who became known as "the voice of rugby". But McLaren was delighted and provided his listening audience with helpful commentary as to what was going on. Theres the Quinnell brothers, two well-nourished individuals. With reference to Moss Keane prime Irish beef? 'Voice of rugby' Bill McLaren put in the spotlight, Above par performance from Selkirk's man Thomas, New and improved facilities will make campsite a draw for tourists says Live Borders, Sentence deferred on Borders man involved in disturbance with former partner, Working hard to help traumatised children, More than 100 police hurt in French May Day protests, Fighter jets are roaring over my home in Sudan, JP Morgan snaps up troubled US bank First Republic. 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. (This usually doesnt end up well for the catcher!). He almost jumped to his left and right without changing speed. Not just a Scottish rugby legend, Bill McLaren is widely regarded as one of the greatest sports broadcasters of all time. Anyone else know for sure who Bill was referring to when he said He could sidestep 3 men in a telephone box ? He had a twin brother Jim who also played for Scotland and toured with the Lions (New Zealand in 1983). *Those props are as cunning as a bag o weasels. He did so, rushed back to the hospital, but she had died that afternoon while he was on air. Despite his size, Doddie could be a dynamic player. Ubogo was a burly prop who could shift around the field. I think hes muttering a few naughty Hawick words. But in that same year he contracted tuberculosis, and so began the second fight for his life. Dinner plates cant clasp a ball. Of course, it was never said quite like he would have said it himself, in his honeyed, Borders burr, tinged with the impishness that suggested that none of this was tobe taken too seriously. Butler took over from McLaren as the BBCs senior commentator in 2002. His club was the Hawick Harlequins, Hawick being a town in Scotland. Dooley towered over the opposition at 68. Butler was born on 8 May 1957. Eddie Butler became the voice of Welsh rugby and a contributor to the Guardian and Observer. He hit opposition players and rucks with equal aggression. Become an ambassador (looks good on your CV). 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. Eddie Butler: The remarkable life of the 'voice of rugby' But McLaren isnt too impressed with the flankers ball-handling skills! Professional rugby has not always been kind to the romantics. 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. McLaren, from Hawick in the Borders, was known as the "voice of rugby" and died . Perhaps Gibbs most famous try for his country was the one that secured a Grand Slam against England in 1999. [2] He would later play for Hawick RFC. [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 loved the characters in the game. A burn is a stream i.e. Aidan Smith's Saturday Interview: Welsh wizard John Taylor on one of When Bill McLaren helped Scotland enjoy the sweetest of victories And tributes to Bill McLaren poured in last night from some of the greatest players to have ever graced the. Ex-Welsh great JPR Williams called McLaren an incredibly fair commentator despite his obvious love for the Scottish team. 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. Heres a list of great McLaren quotes without any commentary. Throughout his distinguished career he earned . Bill McLaren - Wikipedia But taking centre stage will be the recreation of Bill's study. 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. During a career with the BBC which spanned almost 50 years, McLaren became the most famous and respected commentator in the game. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. One of his grandfathers was a brickie in the steelworks in Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire. Sidestep in a phonebox was referring to Robert Jones (Welsh scrum half). This quote aptly describes most days when I watch the All Blacks take on my national team. McLaren would have chuckled at that notion, but the love of rugby in Wales was something he always . Eddies mother, Margaret (nee Asplen), was a Londoner and later the couple ran a guesthouse in Raglan, Monmouthshire. HIS 50 years behind the microphone led to his reputation as "the voice of rugby". Here is McLarens summary: Im sure youre familiar with Bambi, the baby deer with gangly legs. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. The beloved commentator sadly passed away in 2010 but his legacy will live on forever. They beat the world once by 70-3.. He was renowned for his turns of phrase. When he hits you, you think the roof has just fallen in. Having memorised the names, he then liked to watch the players in training, listening to them. Known as 'the voice of rugby', he retired from commentating in 2002. Just discovered this site I recall that a touch kick from one great home nation full back possibly Gavin Hastings or Paul Thorburn (?) I just love this quote. 60 Of The Best - Great Quotes from the late great Bill McLaren (part 2 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. The Welsh golden age ofthe 1970s would not have been so gilded without the soundtrack of Bill to the exploits ofGareth Edwards. 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. If you want to know more about who hes talking about and what he actually means, read through the later sections of this article. *He plays like a runaway bullet (description of New Zealand wing Grant Batty). Phil Bennet was a renowned Welsh flyhalf from the 1970s. There was no audio, but you didnt need to speak Scots to lip-read that he was saying something that rhymed with rucking hell. 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]. [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. This is the greatest Wales rugby team of all time and these are the There was an incident in a match where Ubogos shorts were ripped down the side. Derek Quinnell played for Wales but this quote refers to two of his sons. 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. Re carpet slippers hes right. The late great, Bill McLaren was simply the worlds best rugby commentator ever. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. But commanding the most space in the Wilton Park museum will be Bill's vast archive of rugby memorabilia and reports. 1953 was his first appearance on national radio and he went on . 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And tributes to Bill McLaren poured in last night from some of the greatest players to have ever graced the game. 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. He was the player who won 16 caps for Wales and captained his country on six occasions before retiring from international rugby union aged 27. 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 . Bill McLaren obituary BBC sports commentator and 'the voice of rugby union' for nearly 50 years Bill McLaren in 2002, the year of his retirement Photograph: Huw John / Rex Features Eddie. We showed earlier that McLaren had a ready quip about him and his brother. Among the personal highlights of his career were the commentary for Scotlands Grand Slam victory over England at Murrayfield in 1990. At the East Fortune sanatorium inEast Lothian, he was selected as one offive patients to take part in trials for anew antibiotic, streptomycin. 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. When they get going, its like watching cattle stampede, huge fellows who thunder about the paddock like mad rhinos. He particularly enjoyed having the Sunday pulpit to himself at the Observer rather than the daily grind at the Guardian. I dont care! 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. 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.. Bill survived. No one will ever evoke the spirit of Rugby like Bill. #TheVoiceOfRugby #BillMcLaren #JonathanDavies #AndrewCotter His nickname was Pine Tree. Running (can anyone tell us who Bill was referring to here? 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. See more. (McLaren offering a friend a mint). 15 of the best quotes from the 'Voice of Rugby' Bill McLaren Meanwhile, scroll down to choose a story categorised by a country or a sport. This is considered one of the greatest tries in the history of the sport. Scott had a longer career at the top end of international rugby. Invite us to tell stories in your school or club. Then two through Janie: former Edinburgh and Scotland 7s player Jim Thompson and other son Alex. The disease nearly killed him and forced him to give up playing. Geoghegan was one of the best wingers of his generation but had to retire early due to a foot injury. This refers to Wade Dooley who was a policeman who walked the beat in the seaside town of Blackpool. 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. Sadly, McLaren, known as 'the voice of rugby' for his brilliant BBC commentaries, had died earlier in the . Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Ive already described Doddie Weir in the previous quote. Former Wales hooker Bobby Windsor called him nothing but a gentleman of the game and said he was 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. His first commentary was made while recovering from TB, describing table tennis matches for the hospital radio. All rights reserved. Appointed CBE in 2003, he is survived by Bette and his daughter Linda. (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: Flower of Scotland - YouTube The Bill McLaren Voice of Rugby Dinner 2023 - Facebook He received an OBE, CBE and MBE for services to the sport and combined his work as a broadcaster with that of a PE teacher until 1987. Oct 20 Celebrate what would have been Bill's 100th year with fantastic company & storytelling from @JiffyRugby & @MrAndrewCotter, plus special guests! 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. Something went wrong, please try again later. 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. There wont be the same amusing phrases, the vivid descriptions of players and locations from the contemporary commentators. Bill McLaren - The Telegraph Heres another interesting fact about Finlay. 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. Stradey is a location in the middle of the town of Llanelli. The celebration, which will be held initially during October and November, will also feature items from his family life, his years as a PE teacher, where he introduced the likes of Jim Renwick, Colin Deans and Tony Stanger to the game of rugby, and also the 18 months he spent on an isolation wing after contracting tuberculosis. In 1947 he was back in Hawick and playing in a Scottish trial. 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 . 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.". Last weeks 15 Quotes from Bill covered Celebrations, Fisticuffs, Tough Guys & some Big Boys. McLaren died on 19 January 2010 at the age of 86 in his home town of Hawick. 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. No matter what it was you couldnt wait to hear what he had to say whenever he said that! 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". McLaren, now in his 86th year, lives quietly at his home in Hawick, in the beautiful Scottish borders. In 2000 Bill and Bette lost their daughter Janie to cancer. The son of a knitwear salesman, during the second world war Bill found himself in Italy, a second lieutenant in the Royal Artillery. Calder was an openside flanker who was known for his abrasive play. Photograph: David Rogers/Getty Images. This is what McLaren had to say about Phil Bennett, the great Welsh flyhalf. In November 2001, McLaren became the first non-international to be inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame. Please do pass the word on so many more people can enjoy the spirit of the late great Bill McLaren. As HRH The Princess Royal said in paying tribute to McLaren He has passed on his love for the game and all it represents to everyone he has met or spoken with. Until his retirement in 2002, he was known as 'the voice of rugby'. Siege Gun a gem. He served with the Royal Artillery in Italy during the Second World War,[2] including the Battle of Monte Cassino. He was known for sidestepping opponents to leave them floundering in his wake. *And its a try by Hika the hooker from Ngongotaha (Wales v New Zealand 1980). Known as 'the voice of rugby', he retired from commentating in 2002. In his early union career, he toured with the British and Irish Lions to New Zealand aged only 22. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. In his teenage years, McLaren grew up to be a useful flank forward. Well, no dancing in the streets of Hawick tonight but Scotland were unlucky to lose by a 14 pt margin. He was renowned for his jerky sidestep that he executed at high speed. He was also very fast. A Facebook group, backed by over 6,000 members, was campaigning to gain a knighthood for McLaren. He had a unique way to take an interest in every international player and making you feel so important when he bumped into you. 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. About Bill McLaren: Scottish rugby union player (1923 - 2010 Bill McLaren - Wikipedia Phill Bennetts club was Llanelli (part of which would morph into the Scarlets in the professional era). You got {{SCORE_CORRECT}} out of {{SCORE_TOTAL}}, Five Greatest English Flankers Of All Time, Lock Forwards In Rugby League (Number 13). [2] Renowned throughout the sport, his enthusiasm and memorable turn of phrase endeared him to many.[3]. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. Stradey Park was the home ground for Llanelli RFC. He moved out to the wing a few years later, where he played for his country through much of the 1970s. A tribute to Bill McLaren | PlanetRugby : PlanetRugby The Quinnell name is famous in Welsh rugby. Eddie Butler was a rarity in top-class sport. Known as 'the voice of rugby', he retired from commentating in 2002. Bill Beaumont played in the second row for England 34 times between 1975 and 1982. Rugby greats pay tribute to Bill McLaren, who died yesterday McLaren lived in Hawick with wife Bette, who he met on a blind date at in the towns hall in 1947. Tackling like a car crash Here is McLaren on Scott Gibbs, a burly Welsh center who switched successfully between rugby league and rugby union. Share our stories. Tell a friend. Obituary: Bill McLaren was the most famous and respected - WalesOnline He famously ran down the field and barged through giant Springbok prop Os Du Randt. In November 2001, McLaren became the first non-international to be inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame. England was leading with minutes to go, and Gibbs took a pass from his teammate and cut back inside to get over the line. 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. Orwhen some of his former pupils, suchas Jim Renwick, Colin Deans orTony Stanger, scored for Scotland. The study of the "voice of rugby" was where match-day preparations took place during his 50-year career. Anyone on or off Facebook. 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. Bill McLaren's career behind the microphone began with BBC radio in 1953. McLaren is describing the kicker action. Bennets got his first cap for Wales when he came on as a substitute for an injured teammate. I worked with him for a decade, one ofhis many "second voices". But he was broad-shouldered and had a big physical presence. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Here is McLaren watching two locks leaping to take the ball in a lineout. The Late Great Bill McLaren did! The big Blackpool policeman standing like a lighthouse at the back of the lineout. 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. The physio came on with spare shorts. (a) Send us any Bill McLaren quotes you recall (add them below in the Leave a Reply box at the very end of other comments) and/or, (b) Tell us what Bills commentaries meant to you (add them below in the Leave a Reply box at the very end of other comments) and/or. *Im no hod carrier but Id be laying bricks if he was running at me (description of Jonah Lomu). They both go up like two pieces of white bread in a pop-up toaster. Keep up to date with the latest stories with our WalesOnline newsletter. Who would even think, let alone say, something like this on live TV? 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. In this case, McLaren is referring to the entire Springbok pack. Winger Simon Geoghegan who was capped 37 times for Ireland between 1991 and 1996. 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. 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. If your national team has been on the end of a pasting by the Boks, you probably know exactly what McLaren is talking about! Bill Mclaren would never be so uncouth. 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. 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". Is climate change killing Australian wine? See less. 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. 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.
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