Hence the description of the run-away giraffe. 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. From next spring, the Bill McLaren 100 exhibition will share Hawick Museum with a display charting Hawick Rugby Club's 150 years. You will be inspired! It was just that Bill, given the choice of two television monitors, liked to hunch over the one closer to him. Renowned throughout the sport, his enthusiasm and memorable turn of phra 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. You may also know him as a top blazer in World Rugby. William Pollock McLaren CBE (16 October 1923 - 19 January 2010) was a Scottish rugby union commentator, teacher, journalist and one time rugby player. His smaller brother Scott was three inches shorter but with a similar frame. Winger Simon Geoghegan who was capped 37 times for Ireland between 1991 and 1996. The one-time captain of Wales was the natural heir of the "voice of rugby", Bill. Anyone on or off Facebook. By 1980 Butler had won his first cap in the defeat of France in Cardiff. sidestep 3 men in a phonebox? If you want to know more about who hes talking about and what he actually means, read through the later sections of this article. [5], McLaren studied Physical Education in Aberdeen, and went on to teach PE in different schools throughout Scotland right through to 1987. 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. However, this is nothing new. 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. Scotland always won. Warren Gatland: has never forgiven Irish rugby after he was removed as Irish coach two decades ago. He was capped for England 57 times between 1985 and 1993. When Bill McLaren helped Scotland enjoy the sweetest of victories Eddies mother, Margaret (nee Asplen), was a Londoner and later the couple ran a guesthouse in Raglan, Monmouthshire. Phill Bennetts club was Llanelli (part of which would morph into the Scarlets in the professional era). Keep up to date with the latest stories with our WalesOnline newsletter. Hes not a man you could hide in a lineout! Thousands pay tribute to McLaren - ESPN The switch to television came six years later. It was said that Bill McLaren, whohas died aged 86, was the voice ofrugby. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. In this title, Bill McLaren talks poignantly about his entire life, focusing on his 50 years as chief rugby commentator for the BBC. 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. Lets just say that like all the best props, Ubugo had a substantial posterior. Youll find some lists of McLaren quotes that dont clarify who hes talking about. 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. His first commentary was made while recovering from TB, describing table tennis matches for the hospital radio. 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. Here is McLaren watching a young Beaumont packing down: And theres Beaumont in that English scrum looking like a man who enjoys his food. Welsh Premiership expansion limited to 13 clubs after Llanelli exit His spirit lives on here in this blog and in The Bill McLaren Foundation. 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. He became more famous once his playing days were over for his work as a broadcaster, journalist and novelist. 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. However, there was a time when he lined up a kick as McLaren was commentating on a Scottish test. He was just a lovely, lovely man and I was privileged to have worked with him and more importantly to have met him.. Most Scotsmen would have been dejected, but he didnt show it.. But he was broad-shouldered and had a big physical presence. Over the. [2] Renowned throughout the sport, his enthusiasm and memorable turn of phrase endeared him to many.[3]. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. Bill McLaren, a gentleman with passion and a rare gift for description. [2] He would later play for Hawick RFC. Wed have a little side bet of a sixpence on who would win the match and he would inevitably send a sixpence in the post for me a couple of days later.. His career included winning the 1995 World Cup. Fri Feb 3 2023 - 10:29. Here is McLarens view of the diminutive winger: Despite Battys stature, he was known for being hard as nails. His club was the Hawick Harlequins, Hawick being a town in Scotland. 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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. Matt Williams: Warren Gatland factor makes Wales a real threat to Heres a comment about a different placekicker. He became more famous once his playing days were over for his work as a broadcaster, journalist and novelist. Explore in 3D: The dazzling crown that makes a king. McLaren was named among the inaugural members of the Scottish Rugby Hall of Fame in 2010 and inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame during Rugby World Cup 2015.[16][17][18]. 60 Of The Best - Great Quotes from Bill McLaren (part 1 of 4 But despite an internet campaign last year, he was never knighted. Here is McLaren watching defenders bouncing off legendary All Black winger Jonah Lomu. He saw no evil and spoke no evil. Perhaps Gibbs most famous try for his country was the one that secured a Grand Slam against England in 1999. Tell us your story. 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. Bill McLaren obituary | Rugby union | The Guardian Among those to speak were McLaren's grandson Rory Lawson who competed for Scotland in the Calcutta Cup two days later. *Theyll be simply chuffed to bits down at. Bill McLaren was the best rugby commentator of all time and one of the best men the world has ever seen. Bill believed in sportsmanship shaking hands, thanking the ref, respect, fun and, of course, competition. 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. I think the jink is dying in modern rugby certainly the Welsh are trying to keep it alive lets hope its never lost. It is not. He was particularly renowned for his place kicking which won plenty of games for his country. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. 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". Running (can anyone tell us who Bill was referring to here? But the twins never played on the same Scotland team! Throughout his distinguished career he earned . He was capped 61 times from 1990 to 2000. McLaren, from Hawick in the Borders, was known as the "voice of rugby" and died . On Victor Ubogus behind England v South Africa. Keep up to date with the latest stories with our WalesOnline newsletter. Bill believed passionately in sportsmanship. Over the following five decades he became one of the most recognisable and favoured voices on radio and television. 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. McLaren had wanted to stay at her bedside but she insisted he go and carry out a commentating duty in Edinburgh on the Saturday afternoon. (c) Find someone who loves rugbyand send this link as a surprise gift (birthday, Christmas or any time just because you love them). He almost jumped to his left and right without changing speed. Davies scored twenty tries in 46 tests, an impressive feat both then and now. I worked with him for a decade, one ofhis many "second voices". How well will you do? A look back at the glorious career of the BBC's world-renowned rugby commentator Bill McLaren, who passed away in January 2010 at the age of 86.John Inverdal. We were honoured when Bills daughter, Linda, wrote a beautiful piece for last weeks post. 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. But McLaren was clearly of the opinion that the lock was well-nourished! I think McLaren is saying that hed quickly lay bricks to build a wall as a defense. You got {{SCORE_CORRECT}} out of {{SCORE_TOTAL}}, Five Greatest English Flankers Of All Time, Lock Forwards In Rugby League (Number 13). Sandy Ryan captured the vacant WBO welterweight title as she secured a wide points win over Marie Pier Houle. 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. Siege Gun a gem. After that tour, he switched to playing league but then returned to union. The study of the "voice of rugby" was where match-day preparations took place during his 50-year career. Until his retirement in 2002, he was known as 'the voice of rugby'. In this case, McLaren is referring to the entire Springbok pack. 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. The late Graeme Moody was a widely respected radio rugby commentator for 35 years. Sidestep in a phonebox was referring to Robert Jones (Welsh scrum half). His voice came to represent rugby in the same way Murray Walkers did motor racing and Peter OSullevans horse racing. At 63, Meads wasnt particularly tall. Gerald Davies was capped for Wales as a centre in 1966. [2] Renowned throughout the sport, his enthusiasm and memorable turn of phrase endeared him to many. Renowned throughout the sport, his enthusiasm and memorable turn of phrase endeared him to many. (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. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies. About the author Bill McLaren 11 books2 followers The late great, Bill McLaren was simply the world's best rugby commentator ever. Commentators today cannot match the wit and the speed of his comments. Bill McLaren's 'chaotic' study to be recreated - BBC News 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. (modern), Bill McLaren in 2002, the year of his retirement Photograph: Huw John / Rex Features. 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. A hod carrier is someone who works on a building site and carries a pile of bricks on something that looks like a shovel. *I was there (at Twickenham) in 1938 when Scotland won 28-16. Re carpet slippers hes right. Bill McLaren's career behind the microphone began with BBC radio in 1953. He merely points out that the two brothers were well-fed! Watch this colourful video. No matter what it was you couldnt wait to hear what he had to say whenever he said that! Ubogo was a burly prop who could shift around the field. Eddie Butler (rugby union) - Wikipedia 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. In November 2001, McLaren became the first non-international to be inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame. Mark Andrews played 77 tests at lock for South Africa from 1994 to 2002. We showed earlier that McLaren had a ready quip about him and his brother. 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. No one will ever evoke the spirit of Rugby like Bill. 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. His voice was unmistakable to generations of rugby fans, who grew up listening to a man whose knowledge and enthusiasm were equalled only by his impartiality. Here is McLaren on Scott Gibbs, a burly Welsh center who switched successfully between rugby league and rugby union. Victor Ubogo who was capped for England 24 times between 1992 and 1999. Here is where I disagree with the great commentator. This is the greatest Wales rugby team of all time and these are the Here is McLaren on two sturdy brothers who were giants of Welsh rugby in more ways than one. Here is McLaren watching a flanker dropping the ball. In his teenage years, McLaren grew up to be a useful flank forward. 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. "And he was loved for his knowledge as well as his humour. At the East Fortune sanatorium inEast Lothian, he was selected as one offive patients to take part in trials for anew antibiotic, streptomycin. His sidestep was marvelous, like a shaft of lightning. Here is McLaren watching a kicker for Hawick Harlequins who is furious with himself for missing a penalty kick. 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. Ive still got the fictional reports I used to write when I was a wee boy of seven or eight. Breeks are breeches. His charging runs may be what Maclaren is referring to in the quote. "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. Bill McLaren was a legendary commentator on rugby matches. Post a comment. The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. A statue was unveiled in Wilton Park in Hawick in February 2013 followed in November that year by a bust of McLaren in the main reception area of Murrayfield Stadium. After their divorce, he married Susan Roberts, with whom he had a further three children, Jacob, Nell and Seth. His unique contribution to the commentators art has been applauded by both his peers and listeners alike the world over.. [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. Bill Beaumont played in the second row for England 34 times between 1975 and 1982. Then two through Janie: former Edinburgh and Scotland 7s player Jim Thompson and other son Alex. That teammate was Scott Quinnell. *My goodness, that wee balls gone so high therell be snow on it when it comes down. *The All Blacks that day looked like great prophets of doom. 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. [7]. Eddie Butler: Former Wales rugby captain and legendary broadcaster dies The camera chose to focus on his rear at this moment. HIS 50 years behind the microphone led to his reputation as "the voice of rugby". BBC Archive: Commentary gold with Bill McLaren - BBC Sport This week Ollie Campbell (Ireland & Lions fly half) told me that just the mention of Bill McLarens name brings great memories gushing back. McLaren would have chuckled at that notion, but the love of rugby in Wales was something he always . Theres the Quinnell brothers, two well-nourished individuals. He particularly enjoyed having the Sunday pulpit to himself at the Observer rather than the daily grind at the Guardian. Colin Meads was capped 55 times for the All Blacks from 1957 to 1971. He was tough and willing. Known as 'the voice of rugby', he retired from commentating in 2002. 1953 was his first appearance on national radio and he went on . The big Blackpool policeman standing like a lighthouse at the back of the lineout. Its like trying to tackle a snooker table. Something went wrong, please try again later. 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. This refers to the rather large and burly Doddie Weir, an outstanding Scottish lock. 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. New on @Playing_Pasts today A DRAGON AMONGST 'LIONS'! Bill McLaren, horoscope for birth date 16 October 1923, born in - Astro See more. The disease nearly killed him and forced him to give up playing. This weekend, like any other when the Six Nations Championship is being held, he will watch the matches from television at his home. Just discovered this site I recall that a touch kick from one great home nation full back possibly Gavin Hastings or Paul Thorburn (?) As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. But this quote always comes back to me when a tall and ungainly youngster breaks free. *Im no hod carrier but Id be laying bricks if he was running at me (description of Jonah Lomu). 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. Ive already described Doddie Weir in the previous quote. 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 was particularly offended by a piece in the Western Mail, a paper with little love for Pontypool, comparing him unfavourably with the French captain Jean-Pierre Rives, the warrior flanker with his blood-stained shirt. Our previous quotes have generally referred to a single individual. Craig Quinnell was a giant (and I mean giant) lock. [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. He was known for sidestepping opponents to leave them floundering in his wake. He played in the second row and captained New Zealand eleven times. ), 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.. William Pollock "Bill" McLaren, CBE (16 October 1923 - 19 January 2010) was a Scottish rugby union commentator, teacher, journalist and one time rugby player. About Bill McLaren: Scottish rugby union player (1923 - 2010 This refers to Scottish fullback Gavin Hastings. 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. I reckon thats why there are so many metatarsal injuries since many boots particularly football boots are so thin they offer no protection whatsoever. add Bill McLaren to 'my astro' Biography Scottish rugby union commentator, teacher, journalist and one time rugby union player. The Quinnell name is famous in Welsh rugby. 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. Read about our approach to external linking. [2] He coached several Hawick youngsters who went on to play for Scotland, including Jim Renwick, Colin Deans and Tony Stanger. This quote aptly describes most days when I watch the All Blacks take on my national team. I think hes muttering a few naughty Hawick words. Please do pass the word on so many more people can enjoy the spirit of the late great Bill McLaren. Regarding He could sidestep 3 men in a telephone box would this be a welsh wizard, Barry John? We won't even try and break down this Steve Fenwick try for you: nobody could do it better than the inimitable Bill McLaren . Television now rules the rugby broadcaster, but there are still some superb radio commentators. 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. After retirement, McLaren wrote the book Rugby's Great Heroes and Entertainers in 2003. Heres a list of great McLaren quotes without any commentary. 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.
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