[5][6], He played in a Scotland trial in 1947 and was on the verge of a full international cap before contracting tuberculosis. [7]. Im a little unsure on how to unpack this quote. No matter what it was you couldnt wait to hear what he had to say whenever he said that! McLaren lived in Hawick with wife Bette, who he met on a blind date at in the towns hall in 1947. Butler was born on 8 May 1957. He was so effective that he displaced Will Carling from the test team. 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. *My goodness, that wee balls gone so high therell be snow on it when it comes down. This refers to the rather large and burly Doddie Weir, an outstanding Scottish lock. He merely points out that the two brothers were well-fed! Here is McLaren on two sturdy brothers who were giants of Welsh rugby in more ways than one. Tell a friend. His nickname was Pine Tree. Renwick sent the ball sailing wide. 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. McLaren was married to Bette, with whom he had two daughters Linda (born 1952) and Janie (born 1954, died 2000). All rights reserved. His career included winning the 1995 World Cup. Appointed CBE in 2003, he is survived by Bette and his daughter Linda. *Tweet, tweet, tweet commentary on Scottish full-back Peter Dods strange run up to a penalty kick. In this case, the kicker is Peter Brown, who played 27 times for Scotland between 1964 and 73. He loved the characters in the game. The one-time captain of Wales was the natural heir of the "voice of rugby", Bill. 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. The place-kicking routines of some modern fly halves may seem to be increasingly odd and elaborate. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. It doesnt have to be someone who actually heard Bill. 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. 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. Bill McLarens spirit lives on here in this blog and in The Bill McLaren Foundation. Bill McLaren, who died on January 19 aged 86, was to millions of sports fans "the voice of rugby", bringing wit, erudition and style to hundreds of commentaries on BBC radio and television in a. During the exhibition at Hawick Museum, thousands of previously unseen artefacts and photographs will help tell Bill's story from his early years, through his playing career and into his military service during World War Two. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. There was also an internet campaign last year to give McLaren, from Hawick in the Scottish Borders, a knighthood for his work. [5] While in the hospital, he began his broadcasting career, by commenting on table tennis games on the hospital radio. But taking centre stage will be the recreation of Bill's study. 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. But the twins never played on the same Scotland team! Until his retirement in 2002, he was known as 'the voice of rugby'. 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". Here is McLaren on a tall lock from the amateur era who also happened to be a copper. I just love this quote. Eddie Butler was a rarity in top-class sport. Nicknamed the Viet Gwent, they notoriously took no prisoners with their hard-nosed pack of forwards, spearheaded by the Wales front row of Charlie Faulkner, Bobby Windsor and Graham Price. The couple famously used to play 18 holes of golf together every day. McLaren would have chuckled at that notion, but the love of rugby in Wales was something he always . In his teenage years, McLaren grew up to be a useful flank forward. On Phil Bennett: "They say down at Stradey that if ever you catch him [Phil Bennett] you get to make a wish." New Zealand radio . The BBC also wheeled Butler out when big, multi-sport events were taking place, his seemingly effortless bardic style bringing them to life. Known as 'the voice of rugby', he retired from commentating in 2002. 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. William Pollock "Bill" McLaren, CBE (16 October 1923 - 19 January 2010) was a Scottish rugby union commentator, teacher, journalist and one time rugby player. 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. Hence the description of the run-away giraffe. Phill Bennetts club was Llanelli (part of which would morph into the Scarlets in the professional era). As always you can unsubscribe at any time. 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. Bill McLaren was a legendary commentator on rugby matches. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. 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. 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. 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. Keep up to date with the latest stories with our WalesOnline newsletter. 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. 329 pages, Hardcover First published October 1, 2004 Book details & editions Loading interface. As a rugby player, he was, to borrow one of his phrases, a "tearaway flanker", a forward with the Hawick first XV, hugely promising by all accounts and fanatical from the day his father took him to see the New Zealand All Blacks at Mansfield Park, Hawick. He was known as The Voice Of Rugby. About the author Bill McLaren 11 books2 followers And what about Stradey? They beat the world once by 70-3.. But he was broad-shouldered and had a big physical presence. You can probably tell that McLaren wasnt too impressed with Browns kicking style! It hurt him just before his retirement in 2002 that he was once denied access to an Australian training session. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. There is another more coarse use of the term laying bricks which could also apply at the sight of Lomu charging towards you. *Would ye like a Hawick ball, son ? 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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. This refers to Finlay Calder, who won 34 caps for Scotland between 1986 and 1991. Known as 'the voice of rugby', he retired from commentating in 2002. 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. In this title, Bill McLaren talks poignantly about his entire life, focusing on his 50 years as chief rugby commentator for the BBC. This is how it sounds when McLaren says cow. He went on the first two of those tours. Share our stories. Former Welsh international turned pundit and broadcaster Jonathan Davies, 47, was McLarens co-commentator for his final game and said he had grown up listening to McLaren before working alongside him. If there was violence, itwas never anything more than "brief shenanigans", and nobody ever kicked a ball badly, but merely made it look abit like one of Bill's own "scruffy nineirons". He had a twin brother Jim who also played for Scotland and toured with the Lions (New Zealand in 1983). The late great, Bill McLaren was simply the worlds best rugby commentator ever. 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. Rugby lost its true voice on Tuesday when much-loved and respected Scottish commentator Bill McLaren passed away at the age of 86. Rugby greats from past and present gathered at Murrayfield last night to remember veteran commentator Bill McLaren. His nickname was Car Crash for his effect on the opposition ball carrier! [2] He spent 19 months in a sanatorium in East Fortune in East Lothian, where he was given the experimental antibiotic streptomycin, which saved his life;[2] of the five patients given the drug, only two survived. 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. He was selected for the British and Irish Lions in 1967, 1971, and 1974. 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 demented ferret up a wee drainpipe. Following his death in 2010, the Bill McLaren Foundation (BMF) was formed by former friends and colleagues in his hometown of Hawick. The beloved commentator sadly passed away in 2010 but his legacy will live on forever. Monmouth, though, knew they had a real talent long before their pupil went to Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, to read French and Spanish (1976-79). [2] He coached several Hawick youngsters who went on to play for Scotland, including Jim Renwick, Colin Deans and Tony Stanger. Television now rules the rugby broadcaster, but there are still some superb radio commentators. This refers to Jim Renwick, a Scottish center who was capped 52 times for Scotland (from 1972 to 84). *He kicked that ball like it were 3 pounds o haggis. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies. Eddie went to Monmouth school, on the border of England and Wales, an institution reluctant to select players for Wales school sides. 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). I think hes muttering a few naughty Hawick words. Here is McLaren on one of the greatest players in the history of the sport: 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. 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That teammate was winger Gerald Davies. Comments. There was no audio, but you didnt need to speak Scots to lip-read that he was saying something that rhymed with rucking hell. Here is McLaren watching a young Beaumont packing down: And theres Beaumont in that English scrum looking like a man who enjoys his food. Not just a Scottish rugby legend, Bill McLaren is widely regarded as one of the greatest sports broadcasters of all time. It was just that Bill, given the choice of two television monitors, liked to hunch over the one closer to him. Here is McLaren watching a kicker for Hawick Harlequins who is furious with himself for missing a penalty kick. Bill's preparation was meticulous and involved a lot of card-play. But by the time his international career was over in 1984, the No 8 had become slightly disillusioned with life in the goldfish-bowl of Welsh rugby. Re carpet slippers hes right. This is unusual (Australias John Eales is the only other one I can think of). This week we continue with Big Boys. Watch this colourful video. Definitely one of the Welsh greats from that era think Id go for Gareth Edwards, Gerald Davies or the phenomenal Phil Bennett. 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. Eddies mother, Margaret (nee Asplen), was a Londoner and later the couple ran a guesthouse in Raglan, Monmouthshire. This is what McLaren had to say about Phil Bennett, the great Welsh flyhalf. But McLaren isnt too impressed with the flankers ball-handling skills! Just discovered this site I recall that a touch kick from one great home nation full back possibly Gavin Hastings or Paul Thorburn (?) He was a pivotal part of the Pontypool side that was created by Ray Prosser and dominated Welsh club rugby in the late 1970s and early 1980s, captaining the side between 1982 and 1985. 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.. A hod carrier is someone who works on a building site and carries a pile of bricks on something that looks like a shovel. Dinner plates cant clasp a ball. 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. This refers to Scottish fullback Gavin Hastings. Early life and rugby career. Fri 10th Feb @PrestonfieldHH Get your tickets today!! A Facebook group, backed by over 6,000 members, was campaigning to gain a knighthood for McLaren. McLaren, now in his 86th year, lives quietly at his home in Hawick, in the beautiful Scottish borders. I suppose somebody had to be alongside him, to offer the odd jarring note, but once the game and Bill were in full flow, they were best left to themselves. 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. Explore in 3D: The dazzling crown that makes a king. He was unbiased, clear . They were coached by the fierce disciplinarian Ray Prosser, but Eddie the varsity youth, with his cultured tones and inevitable nickname Bamber, after the University Challenge presenter, fitted in with Pontypools ethos. And tributes to Bill McLaren poured in last night from some of the greatest players to have ever graced the game. His running action could look a little ungainly. 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. Its seven years now since the man with the golden voice finally laid down his famous microphone. Its similar to a coo kicking over a milk pail. Anyone on or off Facebook. My proof is McLarens commentary his shimmy shammy is a perfect description of those twitches. He was tough and willing. Here is McLaren on Scott Gibbs, a burly Welsh center who switched successfully between rugby league and rugby union. Known as 'the voice of rugby', he retired from commentating in 2002. When they get going, its like watching cattle stampede, huge fellows who thunder about the paddock like mad rhinos. [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. Siege Gun a gem. Here is McLaren watching two locks leaping to take the ball in a lineout. His first commentary was made while recovering from TB, describing table tennis matches for the hospital radio. Invite us to tell stories in your school or club. Butler, who played 16 times for Wales and was called up as a replacement for the Lions in New Zealand in 1983, was a tireless charity fundraiser. From giant winger to tiny wingerGrant Batty was only 55. A banner was also held up by one of the Cardiff crowd proclaiming: Bill McLaren is Welsh. 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. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in, Please refresh your browser to be logged in, Classic phrases from commentator Bill McLaren, Up to 30% off + free delivery with Nike promo codes for members, 20% off selected orders with this Footasylum discount code, 20% off your order - New Balance discount code, Extra 15% selected orders 80+ with this Go Outdoors discount code, 20% off everything with this Sweaty Betty discount code, Compare broadband packages side by side to find the best deal for you, Compare cheap broadband deals from providers with fastest speed in your area, All you need to know about fibre broadband, Best Apple iPhone Deals in the UK April 2023, Compare iPhone contract deals and get the best offer this April, Compare the best mobile phone deals from the top networks and brands. *And its a try by Hika the hooker from Ngongotaha (Wales v New Zealand 1980). Meads grew up on a sheep farm and raised his own family on a farm. That teammate was Scott Quinnell. 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. Bill McLaren followed the likes of Peter OSullevan, John Arlott, Harry Carpenter and Murray Walker into retirement and a generation of BBC commentators had finally fallen silent. The image would haunt him for the rest of his days. 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. By 1980 Butler had won his first cap in the defeat of France in Cardiff. He was awarded an MBE in 1992, an OBE in 1995 and a CBE in the 2003 honours list. But this quote always comes back to me when a tall and ungainly youngster breaks free. Perhaps it was the . He was known for sidestepping opponents to leave them floundering in his wake. Ive still got the fictional reports I used to write when I was a wee boy of seven or eight. Phil Bennet was a renowned Welsh flyhalf from the 1970s. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. @Rich am not sure could be Jones, or @Brendan could be Phil Bennet or Gerald Davies who could also jink. [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. William Pollock McLaren CBE (16 October 1923 - 19 January 2010) was a Scottish rugby union commentator, teacher, journalist and one time rugby player. "It was full of books, newspaper cuttings, magazines and videos - there were three piles of videos from floor to ceiling. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. Ruck.co.uk: the leading rugby union news and content network delivering you the latest news, views and all the moves in Rugby Union. He played golf every day, come hail or shine, with his wife, Bette, whom he met at a local hop in 1947. (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. During a career with the BBC which spanned almost 50 years, McLaren became the most famous and respected commentator in the game. He stood 66 and carried a huge frame. [2] Renowned throughout the sport, his enthusiasm and memorable turn of phrase endeared him to many. Then two through Janie: former Edinburgh and Scotland 7s player Jim Thompson and other son Alex. 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.. He would shuffle a deck and flash through the cards, matching a player with a number. Bill Mclaren would never be so uncouth. Here is where I disagree with the great commentator. William Pollock McLaren, teacher and rugby commentator, born 16 October 1923; died 19 January 2010, BBC sports commentator and 'the voice of rugby union' for nearly 50 years, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning, 2023 Guardian News & Media Limited or its affiliated companies. BILL McLaren will be remembered simply as the voice of rugby.