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. Bill McLaren - Wikipedia This week we continue with Big Boys. 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. Following his death in 2010, the Bill McLaren Foundation (BMF) was formed by former friends and colleagues in his hometown of Hawick. See also my TEDx Talk: How Sportsmanship Can Change The World. *The All Blacks that day looked like great prophets of doom. Keep up to date with the latest stories with our WalesOnline newsletter. Thousands pay tribute to McLaren - ESPN Craig in particular used to laugh to himself as opposition crowds (usually English) yelled down to him that he was fat. During a career with the BBC which spanned almost 50 years, McLaren became the most famous and respected commentator in the game. 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. Bill McLaren | Military Wiki | Fandom That teammate was Scott Quinnell. 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. Pity they couldnt get over for that second try. But McLaren was clearly of the opinion that the lock was well-nourished! This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. Rugby World Cup: Rugby's all-time greatest TV commentator revealed Ruck.co.uk: the leading rugby union news and content network delivering you the latest news, views and all the moves in Rugby Union. "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. 60 Of The Best - Great Quotes from the late great Bill McLaren (part 2 Here is McLaren watching defenders bouncing off legendary All Black winger Jonah Lomu. 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. [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. His smaller brother Scott was three inches shorter but with a similar frame. Over the following five decades he became one of the most recognisable and favoured voices on radio and television. Geoghegan was one of my favorite players in the early nineties, and I think McLaren describes him fairly well! think of a trout leaping up a stream. How well will you do? They beat the world once by 70-3.. #WALvENG75: We won't even try and break down this Steve - Facebook 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. This week Ollie Campbell (Ireland & Lions fly half) told me that just the mention of Bill McLarens name brings great memories gushing back. 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. *Theyll be dancing in the streets of Hawick/Selkirk/ tonight. Bill Mclaren Quotes Part 1 includes quotes about Celebrations; Fisticuffs; Tough Guys; Big Guys and also a beautiful piece written by Bills daughter, Linda, specifically for us. In the modern defensive game, locks are less likely to make breaks. Invite us to tell stories in your school or club. (modern), Bill McLaren in 2002, the year of his retirement Photograph: Huw John / Rex Features. Pontypool played on a public park, but were making a name for themselves in Welsh rugby, often not in a good way. Davies scored twenty tries in 46 tests, an impressive feat both then and now. Edward Thomas Butler, rugby player and sports journalist, born 8 May 1957; died 15 September 2022, Rugby player who won 16 caps for Wales and went on to become an Observer journalist and a leading commentator for the BBC, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning, 2023 Guardian News & Media Limited or its affiliated companies. 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. #TheVoiceOfRugby #BillMcLaren #JonathanDavies #AndrewCotter *I was there (at Twickenham) in 1938 when Scotland won 28-16. 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. 15 of the best quotes from the 'Voice of Rugby' Bill McLaren He moved out to the wing a few years later, where he played for his country through much of the 1970s. England was leading with minutes to go, and Gibbs took a pass from his teammate and cut back inside to get over the line. He hit opposition players and rucks with equal aggression. In November 2001, McLaren became the first non-international to be inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame. His charging runs may be what Maclaren is referring to in the quote. Professional rugby has not always been kind to the romantics. At 63, Meads wasnt particularly tall. However, this is nothing new. You will be inspired! 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 . In this title, Bill McLaren talks poignantly about his entire life, focusing on his 50 years as chief rugby commentator for the BBC. Obituary: Bill McLaren was the most famous and respected - WalesOnline Not just a Scottish rugby legend, Bill McLaren is widely regarded as one of the greatest sports broadcasters of all time. Ryan simply had too much for Canadian Houle as her precision and power saw her control . Let's see if you can match the quote to the player or coach! Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies. Here are seven quotes. This quote aptly describes most days when I watch the All Blacks take on my national team. Bennets got his first cap for Wales when he came on as a substitute for an injured teammate. Bennett had also played against New Zealand for the Barbarians in 1973. Most Scotsmen would have been dejected, but he didnt show it.. Stradey Park was the home ground for Llanelli RFC. Regarding He could sidestep 3 men in a telephone box would this be a welsh wizard, Barry John? He was known as The Voice Of Rugby. It was nothing personal. This refers to Wade Dooley who was a policeman who walked the beat in the seaside town of Blackpool. 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. This refers to Jim Renwick, a Scottish center who was capped 52 times for Scotland (from 1972 to 84). Something went wrong, please try again later. [2] He switched to television commentary six years later. Bill Mclaren: Flower of Scotland - YouTube 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. 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. It was just that Bill, given the choice of two television monitors, liked to hunch over the one closer to him. As fiercely passionate a Scot as you could wish to meet, McLaren never let nationality cloud his judgement. They both go up like two pieces of white bread in a pop-up toaster. Calder also captained the Lions on tour to Australia in 1989. Rugby's Great Heroes and Entertainers by Bill McLaren - Goodreads The suggestion was that Waless leader was not passionate enough. ), He could sidestep 3 men in a telephone box, Hes like a demented ferret up a wee drainpipe., On Scotlands towering Doddie Weir running with the ball, like a run-away giraffe., On Irelands Simon Geoghegan, Irish winger Hes like Bambi on speed., On NZs Grant Batty: He plays like a runaway bullet., On SAs Carel Du Plessis the prince of left wings.. [7]. Definitely one of the Welsh greats from that era think Id go for Gareth Edwards, Gerald Davies or the phenomenal Phil Bennett. 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). Later this year the foundation will host a major exhibition to celebrate the centenary of Bill's birth on 16 October 1923. Bill McLaren obituary | Rugby union | The Guardian BILL McLaren will be remembered simply as the voice of rugby. In this case, McLaren is referring to the entire Springbok pack. 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. 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. *He plays like a runaway bullet (description of New Zealand wing Grant Batty). [2] Renowned throughout the sport, his enthusiasm and memorable turn of phrase endeared him to many. Bill McLaren Rugby Quotes (With Explanations) - Rugby Dome 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. Early life and rugby career. See less. William Pollock McLaren CBE (16 October 1923 - 19 January 2010) was a Scottish rugby union commentator, teacher, journalist and one time rugby player. The Welsh golden age ofthe 1970s would not have been so gilded without the soundtrack of Bill to the exploits ofGareth Edwards. However, when it comes to monster kicks, there can be only Welsh rugby player worthy of that giant-sized accolade. We showed earlier that McLaren had a ready quip about him and his brother. Geoghegan was one of the best wingers of his generation but had to retire early due to a foot injury. 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. On Victor Ubogus behind England v South Africa. Bill McLarens spirit lives on here in this blog and in The Bill McLaren Foundation. His voice came to represent rugby in the same way Murray Walkers did motor racing and Peter OSullevans horse racing. Here is McLaren on Scott Gibbs, a burly Welsh center who switched successfully between rugby league and rugby union. A banner was also held up by one of the Cardiff crowd proclaiming: "Bill McLaren is Welsh". 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 did so, rushed back to the hospital, but she had died that afternoon while he was on air. Our previous quotes have generally referred to a single individual. Oct 20 Celebrate what would have been Bill's 100th year with fantastic company & storytelling from @JiffyRugby & @MrAndrewCotter, plus special guests! I almost didnt include this one because I dont know which player its about. Bill Beaumont played in the second row for England 34 times between 1975 and 1982. The Late Great Bill McLaren did! Having memorised the names, he then liked to watch the players in training, listening to them. But McLaren was delighted and provided his listening audience with helpful commentary as to what was going on. Rugby greats from past and present gathered at Murrayfield last night to remember veteran commentator Bill McLaren. The beloved commentator sadly passed away in 2010 but his legacy will live . Perhaps Gibbs most famous try for his country was the one that secured a Grand Slam against England in 1999. *And its a try by Hika the hooker from Ngongotaha (Wales v New Zealand 1980). Bill McLaren - Wikipedia Barry John, yes, maybe. This refers to Scottish fullback Gavin Hastings. Butler became a published author in 2014. McLaren is describing the kicker action. He loved it when he got abuse from the terraces. Here is McLaren watching a lock forward making a break up the field. He loved the characters in the game. His voice was almost operatic in its clarity and range as he described his son-in-law Alan Lawson scoring against England in 1976, when he managed to convey the excitement of the moment without bias, as only he could. The Bill McLaren Foundation on Twitter All rights reserved. Scott had a longer career at the top end of international rugby. Please do pass the word on so many more people can enjoy the spirit of the late great Bill McLaren. In other words, the first part refers to Hasting pulling up his shorts. Here is where I disagree with the great commentator. *That one was a bit inebriated just like one of my golf shots (description of a missed goal kick). 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. The Bill McLaren Voice of Rugby Dinner 2023 - Facebook He merely points out that the two brothers were well-fed! He was known as 'The Voice Of Rugby'. Here is McLaren watching a flanker dropping the ball. It was there that Bill became music. McLarens final commentary was the game between Wales and Scotland at the Millennium Stadium in 2002, when the crowd sang For Hes a Jolly Good Fellow and one Welsh supporter displayed a banner claiming Bill McLaren is Welsh. Despite his size, Doddie could be a dynamic player. Photograph: David Rogers/Getty Images. McLaren was married to Bette, with whom he had two daughters Linda (born 1952) and Janie (born 1954, died 2000). 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. Perhaps it was the . Renowned throughout the sport, his enthusiasm and a memorable turn of phrase endeared him to all rugby fans. However, there was a time when he lined up a kick as McLaren was commentating on a Scottish test. When he hits you, you think the roof has just fallen in. 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. Butler took over from McLaren as the BBCs senior commentator in 2002. The study of the "voice of rugby" was where match-day preparations took place during his 50-year career. The disease nearly killed him and forced him to give up playing. 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.". Then two through Janie: former Edinburgh and Scotland 7s player Jim Thompson and other son Alex. 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". The prop blithely stepped out of his breeks and bent over to put on the pristine pair. Nice one Richard I heard a commentator, this weekend (15/2/15), actually try to use Bills exquisite expression. 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. Among the personal highlights of his career were the commentary for Scotlands Grand Slam victory over England at Murrayfield in 1990. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. He toured with the Lions in 1977 to South Africa. 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. This is the greatest Wales rugby team of all time and these are the Many of his quips and quotes live on in the fond memories of rugby supporters. He loved the characters in the game. Brown also captained Scotland ten times, including three victories over England. Hence, the runaway bullet description. 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 his impartiality was never questioned. 2023 BBC. 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. Former Wales hooker Bobby Windsor called him nothing but a gentleman of the game and said he was the voice of rugby. However, Gibbs was also renowned as a hard-tackling machine. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. 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. Explore in 3D: The dazzling crown that makes a king. Victor Ubogo who was capped for England 24 times between 1992 and 1999. And tributes to Bill McLaren poured in last night from some of the greatest players to have ever graced the. Three of his grandchildren went on to play rugby, with Rory Lawson and Jim Thompson both current professionals. Eddie Butler became the voice of Welsh rugby and a contributor to the Guardian and Observer. '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. Bill survived. He became more famous once his playing days were over for his work as a broadcaster, journalist and novelist. Well, no dancing in the streets of Hawick tonight but Scotland were unlucky to lose by a 14 pt margin. Start your Independent Premium subscription today. Three ofthe five died. He merely points out that the two brothers were well-fed! Scotland always won.
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