Commentator Bill McLaren, known popularly as the “voice of rugby”, has died at the age of 86.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S617AieOPJo[/youtube]
Courtecy of BBC News….
Mr McLaren, from Hawick, retired in 2002 and was appointed OBE, CBE and MBE for services to the sport.
He began commentating on BBC radio in 1953 and moved on to television six years later.
He went on to earn the respect of players, fans, and spectators by being the best-researched commentator rugby had ever seen.
He died at 1030 GMT in the community hospital in Hawick in the Scottish Borders.
Former Scotland rugby captain Gavin Hastings, who worked with him, said: “First and foremost, Bill was a very proud and passionate Scot but such was his professionalism that you would never really have known that.
“He always remained very unbiased in his commentary and I think that that was unquestionably one of his endearing qualities.
“He was a wonderful commentator and he just brought the world of rugby into so many people’s homes.”
Former England captain Bill Beaumont also recognised the importance of McLaren’s contribution to the sport.
“Bill McLaren is synonymous with what is good about the game,” he said.
“Every player respected Bill, they respected his judgement.
“To sit alongside him you just admired the professionalism and homework that he put into his commentaries and also his passion for the game.”
Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond said: “The world of sport and broadcasting has lost a true legend with the passing of Bill McLaren.
“He thoroughly deserved the title “voice of rugby” and was a fantastic ambassador for Scotland and his native Hawick right around the world.”
BBC Scotland Director Ken MacQuarrie described McLaren as one of the “true broadcasting greats”.
‘Loyal friend’
He said: “A tremendously modest man, Bill was the ultimate professional who always went out of his way to help the many colleagues who worked alongside him over the years.
“He also worked tirelessly to support youngsters keen to learn more about the game he loved, especially in his home town.
“To those who knew him closest though, Bill was known as a wonderfully loyal friend and a devoted family man and our thoughts are with them at this time.”
Hawick Rugby Club secretary John Thorburn also joined the tributes to their former player and loyal supporter.
He said: “We’re devastated, obviously – we’ve got a room named after him at the rugby club.
“It was very close to his heart, Hawick Rugby Club.
“He’s a huge loss to rugby worldwide.”
From us here at Rugby-Talk, rest in peace Bill, be assured your passion for rugby lives on.. you will be remembered!
I was fortunate enough to have met Bill while playing in the Borders district of Scotland, back in the 70s. He was one of rugby’s legends and will be sadly missed by the rugby fraternity. Vale Bill McLaren.
There won’t be the same amusing phrases, the vivid descriptions of players and locations from the contemporary commentators. They are different. But for those who loved McLaren’s sayings and laughed at the descriptions he dreamt up of the competitors, here are a few famous phrases from the Bill McLaren rugby commentary scrapbook, spoken both on and off air…
*It’s high enough, it’s long enough AND IT’S STRAIGHT ENOUGH.
*He’s like a demented ferret up a wee drainpipe.
*He plays like a runaway bullet (description of New Zealand wing Grant Batty).
*He’s like a raging bull with a bad head.
*That one was a bit inebriated – just like one of my golf shots (description of a missed goal kick).
*He kicked that ball like it were 3 pounds o’ haggis.
*Would ye like a Hawick ball, son ? (McLaren offering a friend a mint).
*They’ll be dancing in the streets of Hawick/Selkirk/ tonight???
*His sidestep was marvellous – like a shaft of lightning (description of Welsh wing Gerald Davies).
*The All Blacks that day looked like great prophets of doom.
*I was there (at Twickenham) in 1938 when Scotland won 28-16.
*‘Tweet, tweet, tweet’ – commentary on Scottish full-back Peter Dods’ strange run up to a penalty kick.
*My goodness, that wee ball’s gone so high there’ll be snow on it when it comes down.
*He’s as quick as a trout up a burn.
*Those props are as cunning as a bag o’ weasels.
*A day out of Hawick is a day wasted.
*And it’s a try by Hika the hooker from Ngongotaha (Wales v New Zealand 1980).
*I’m no hod carrier but I’d be laying bricks if he was running at me (description of Jonah Lomu).
*They’ll be simply chuffed to bits down at??.
*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.
*I’ve hardly ever had to pay to get in (the best thing in his view about 50 years of commentary at rugby matches).
1@ Old Griquas winger – Fark, in the 70’s I was still a wide-eyed little tjokker who ran around with his kettie and bow and arrows and travelled by bicycle…. hehehe
RIP Bill, and i feel the same as Peter Bills who wrote this tribute to when you retired.
It’s seven years now since the man with the golden voice finally laid down his famous microphone. Bill McLaren followed the likes of Peter O’Sullevan, John Arlott, Harry Carpenter and Murray Walker into retirement and a generation of BBC commentators had finally fallen silent.
It is not being overly melancholic to say that the Six Nations Championship has never seemed quite the same since McLaren retired. 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.
IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: “For millions of people around the world Bill McLaren was the voice of Rugby – a man whose knowledge for the sport was unrivalled and style distinctive. Above all he was a true Rugby man, respected and loved by the entire Rugby community. He will be sorely missed.”
IRB Vice Chairman Bill Beaumont said: “Bill McLaren will be remembered not just as an iconic broadcaster, but as a man whose genuine warmth, enthusiasm and passion for the Game was both endearing and infectious. The thoughts of everyone at the International Rugby Board are with Bill’s family at this difficult time.”
3 @ GBS – you know what they say about youth, mate?
The only problem with it: THE WRONG PEOPLE HAVE GOT IT!!!
4 @ Superbul – very well expressed, mate. Who knows, somewhere in the ether, old Bill might be reading your words even as I type!!
An absolute part of rugby union.
The true voice of the game, and those who love all that is great and noble about rugby union.
Never to be forgotten.
As far as I am concerned he should be forever honoured by naming the world cup trophy after him.
RIP Bill.
RIP Bill, you where great.
GBS, Thanks boet, knew you would put up a article and a youtube clip with Bill McLaren commentating. Only on RT we get this, that what makes this blog way better than any other.
When I read yesterday that Bill McLaren felt really sad. What a legend this man was. The very BEST rugby commentator ever and will be forever too. Only he could describe rugby and players in the most brilliant way. Such a great sense of humour and the best of all the most unbiased rugby commentator. He will be missed. Missed already since his retirement.
He will always be remembered amongst the rugby family of the world.
RIP Bill.
2 – Super, Thanks for that, it really did bring back some great memories of the great man.
4 – Super, I too feel like that. What a superb commentator. No-one will ever sound or come close to the great Bill McLaren.
I guess all good things must come to an end.
RIP
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