That feared Welsh team of the seventies won three Grand Slams, with Davies tearing up the wing in each of them. In 1947 he was back in Hawick and playing in a Scottish trial. 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. 1953 was his first appearance on national radio and he went on . '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. He played in the second row and captained New Zealand eleven times. 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. Later this year the foundation will host a major exhibition to celebrate the centenary of Bill's birth on 16 October 1923. (modern), Bill McLaren in 2002, the year of his retirement Photograph: Huw John / Rex Features. Become an ambassador (looks good on your CV). Invite us to tell stories in your school or club. Big Victor Ubogu had his shorts ripped to shreds in a frantic ruck and as he bent down to change them right in front of the camera his big behind came into view, Bills dulcet tones rang out A splendid rear-view there! The whole pub erupted with laughter. *His sidestep was marvellous like a shaft of lightning (description of Welsh wing Gerald Davies). 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. You got {{SCORE_CORRECT}} out of {{SCORE_TOTAL}}, Five Greatest English Flankers Of All Time, Lock Forwards In Rugby League (Number 13). The late great, Bill McLaren was simply the worlds best rugby commentator ever. 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 . Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. He was known as 'The Voice Of Rugby'. Theres the Quinnell brothers, two well-nourished individuals. Breeks are breeches. The physio came on with spare shorts. He played golf every day, come hail or shine, with his wife, Bette, whom he met at a local hop in 1947. From giant winger to tiny wingerGrant Batty was only 55. 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. Murray added: "Bill was like the Wikipedia of rugby, long before there was Wikipedia. In this title, Bill McLaren talks poignantly about his entire life, focusing on his 50 years as chief rugby commentator for the BBC. Eddie Butler became the voice of Welsh rugby and a contributor to the Guardian and Observer. Most populous nation: Should India rejoice or panic? When he hits you, you think the roof has just fallen in. They had two daughters, Linda and Janie. Renowned throughout the sport, his enthusiasm and a memorable turn of phrase endeared him to all rugby fans. 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. Bill McLaren - The Telegraph With the cameras trained on his face, the Scotsman yelled out his frustration. 15 of the best quotes from the 'Voice of Rugby' Bill McLaren I was fortunate enough to be playing at a time when he was at his peak and if you watched a match and he wasnt commentating it wasnt the same.. Sidestep in a phonebox was referring to Robert Jones (Welsh scrum half). Derek Quinnell played for Wales but this quote refers to two of his sons. Here is where I disagree with the great commentator. [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. Scott had a longer career at the top end of international rugby. Last weeks 15 Quotes from Bill covered Celebrations, Fisticuffs, Tough Guys & some Big Boys. In 2000 Bill and Bette lost their daughter Janie to cancer. Bill McLaren died on 19 January 2010 at the age of 86 in his home town of Hawick. 21K views, 416 likes, 40 loves, 28 comments, 44 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from The Welsh Rugby Union: #WALvENG75: . Bill McLaren's career behind the microphone began with BBC radio in 1953. Eddie Butler (rugby union) - Wikipedia Watch: The teenage Welsh rugby players scoring monster kicks - Nation.Cymru We were honoured when Bills daughter, Linda, wrote a beautiful piece for last weeks post. The camera chose to focus on his rear at this moment. 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 twins and two more brothers did all play together for their club. All rights reserved. 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. Youll find some lists of McLaren quotes that dont clarify who hes talking about. 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. Bill McLaren | Military Wiki | Fandom Regarding He could sidestep 3 men in a telephone box would this be a welsh wizard, Barry John? But despite an internet campaign last year, he was never knighted. But in truth, he was much more than rugby's voice, more its full-blown orchestra, devoted to the works of the Romantic movement, and only the Romantic. In this case, the kicker is Peter Brown, who played 27 times for Scotland between 1964 and 73. Bill believed in sportsmanship shaking hands, thanking the ref, respect, fun and, of course, competition. 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]. 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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). Boyce, 65, said: I cant think of anyone in rugby football who was more loved and more respected than Bill McLaren. It was said that Bill McLaren, whohas died aged 86, was the voice ofrugby. Bennets got his first cap for Wales when he came on as a substitute for an injured teammate. England was leading with minutes to go, and Gibbs took a pass from his teammate and cut back inside to get over the line. Anyone else know for sure who Bill was referring to when he said He could sidestep 3 men in a telephone box ? Television now rules the rugby broadcaster, but there are still some superb radio commentators. Explore in 3D: The dazzling crown that makes a king. Some of his finest broadcasting work came in the form of montages and voiceovers during the London Olympics of 2012. Gatland's new man played for England seven times and was country's hottest property, Few saw the 31-year-old's selection coming, Ryan Reynolds snubs star-studded Hollywood Met Gala for trip to Wales, Gatland's new man played for England seven times and was country's hottest property, Four Welsh walks named the best in the UK, Walks in Anglesey, Gower, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire have all been included in this 15-strong list, Full list of Welsh beaches where dogs are now banned for five months, From May 1 to September 30 each year no dogs are allowed on certain beaches throughout Wales, The traditional looking bungalow that's nothing like you expect it to be on the inside, Prepare for a feast for the eyes hiding behind that normal, white front door, Woman punched, scratched, and bit stranger who told her off for kicking bins, The victim said he had an anxious wait for the results of blood tests to see if he had caught any diseases as a result of the bite, MasterChef judge and renowned chef dies suddenly aged 46, Five men charged with alleged involvement in plot to bring people into the UK illegally, Five men have been charged with facilitating the entry or the attempted entry of people into the UK, The key DWP benefit payments and money changes kicking in from today, The changes could make a big difference to your finances. 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. Bill Beaumont played in the second row for England 34 times between 1975 and 1982. McLaren, from Hawick in the Borders, was known as the "voice of rugby" and died . William Pollock McLaren CBE (16 October 1923 - 19 January 2010) was a Scottish rugby union commentator, teacher, journalist and one time rugby player. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. A tribute to Bill McLaren | PlanetRugby : PlanetRugby Share our stories. Some commentators will quickly blabber something innocuous to draw attention away from the incident. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Here is McLaren on two sturdy brothers who were giants of Welsh rugby in more ways than one. I was certain I would be next. 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. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. Bill McClaren Rugby at its Greatest - YouTube William Pollock McLaren CBE (16 October 1923 19 January 2010) was a Scottish rugby union commentator, teacher, journalist and one time rugby player. That teammate was winger Gerald Davies. No matter what it was you couldnt wait to hear what he had to say whenever he said that! The late Graeme Moody was a widely respected radio rugby commentator for 35 years. Bill McLaren - Scotland On Air 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. Windsor said: The biggest fear with him was when he finishes how do we replace him? 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. (modern). His first commentary was made while recovering from TB, describing table tennis matches for the hospital radio. Here are seven quotes. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. *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. He almost jumped to his left and right without changing speed. 329 pages, Hardcover First published October 1, 2004 Book details & editions Loading interface. *Ive hardly ever had to pay to get in (the best thing in his view about 50 years of commentary at rugby matches). He toured with the Lions in 1977 to South Africa. The legendary commentator, who retired in 2002 after almost 50 years as a broadcaster, died in hospital yesterday morning, aged 86. 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. Rugby for orchestra and full voice, and nobody made a sound quite like Bill McLaren. But for those who loved McLarens 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 *Its high enough, its long enough AND ITS STRAIGHT ENOUGH. Renwick was also a placekicker, although not the usual first-choice kicker for his country. Orwhen some of his former pupils, suchas Jim Renwick, Colin Deans orTony Stanger, scored for Scotland. However, there was a time when he lined up a kick as McLaren was commentating on a Scottish test. Eddie Butler: The remarkable life of the 'voice of rugby' Ex-Welsh great JPR Williams called McLaren an incredibly fair commentator despite his obvious love for the Scottish team. Stradey is a location in the middle of the town of Llanelli. However, he said it was fair to describe the room as "chaotic" and added: "It was an absolute tip. The 60-year-old retired surgeon, who lives near Cowbridge, said: He was never biased towards Scotland, which was typified by the conversion of John Taylor at Murrayfield in 1971 [to seal a 19-18 victory for Wales]. He was capped 15 times for the All Blacks between 1972 and 1977. (McLaren offering a friend a mint). Until his retirement in 2002, he was known as 'the voice of rugby'. After retirement, McLaren wrote the book Rugby's Great Heroes and Entertainers in 2003. During a career with the BBC which spanned almost 50 years, McLaren became the most famous and respected commentator in the game. He used to say about my speed, If you blink youd miss him and If you knock a light off he could jump into bed quicker than the light goes off. Phil Bennet was a renowned Welsh flyhalf from the 1970s. Tackling like a car crash Here is McLaren on Scott Gibbs, a burly Welsh center who switched successfully between rugby league and rugby union. [2] Contents Early life The quote comes from McLaren watching Hastings preparation before a place kick. "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. The proud scot also liked to use Scottish phrasing which sometimes needs interpretation for the rest of us. On Phil Bennett: "They say down at Stradey that if ever you catch him [Phil Bennett] you get to make a wish." McLaren, now in his 86th year, lives quietly at his home in Hawick, in the beautiful Scottish borders. 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. Craig in particular used to laugh to himself as opposition crowds (usually English) yelled down to him that he was fat. Thousands pay tribute to McLaren - ESPN 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. Known as 'the voice of rugby', he retired from commentating in 2002. I used to go with my father to see matches at a very early age, the great Hawick heroes including Willie Welsh, Jock Beattie and Jerry Foster, so I had an all-consuming desire to wear the green jersey of Hawick.[4]. 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. There was also an internet campaign last year to give McLaren, from Hawick in the Scottish Borders, a knighthood for his work. 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". The All Blacks that day looked like great prophets of doom. McLarens final commentary in Cardiff eight years ago the 2002 Six Nations clash between Wales and Scotland saw the Millennium Stadium crowd sing For Hes a Jolly Good Fellow in his honour. While he convalesced, he began to commentate on table tennis for hospital radio. Bill believed in sportsmanship - shaking hands, thanking the ref, respect, fun and, of course, competition. William Pollock "Bill" McLaren, CBE (16 October 1923 - 19 January 2010) was a Scottish rugby union commentator, teacher, journalist and one time rugby player. 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. Perhaps it was the . Pity they couldnt get over for that second try. 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Heres another interesting fact about Finlay. He declined the third to South Africa on principled objections to Apartheid. *The All Blacks that day looked like great prophets of doom. At least the table doesnt bend and lean forward to crash through you. Who would even think, let alone say, something like this on live TV? Bill McLaren - Wikipedia Known as 'the voice of rugby', he retired from commentating in 2002. However, Gibbs was also renowned as a hard-tackling machine. The prop blithely stepped out of his breeks and bent over to put on the pristine pair. Here is McLaren watching two locks leaping to take the ball in a lineout. We won't even try and break down this Steve Fenwick try for you: nobody could do it better than the inimitable Bill McLaren . Something went wrong, please try again later. 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. You'll see why. I thought the telephone box line was about Robert Jones. 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. Beaumont also captained England 21 times. The big Blackpool policeman standing like a lighthouse at the back of the lineout. The couple famously used to play 18 holes of golf together every day. Bill McLaren was considered by many to be the "voice of rugby" during his long commentating career Bill McLaren's career behind the microphone began with BBC radio in 1953. His club was the Hawick Harlequins, Hawick being a town in Scotland. 2023 BBC. 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. HIS 50 years behind the microphone led to his reputation as "the voice of rugby". 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. Eddies mother, Margaret (nee Asplen), was a Londoner and later the couple ran a guesthouse in Raglan, Monmouthshire. I dont know which big man won the ball. 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. 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. It was just that Bill, given the choice of two television monitors, liked to hunch over the one closer to him. 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. Hes up there with great commentators like John Arlott [cricket], Henry Longhurst [golf], Dan Maskell [tennis] and Peter Alliss [golf].. Start your Independent Premium subscription today. 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Dinner plates cant clasp a ball. 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. Monmouth, though, knew they had a real talent long before their pupil went to Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, to read French and Spanish (1976-79). He was renowned for his jerky sidestep that he executed at high speed. McLaren began as a junior reporter with the Hawick Express and made his national debut for BBC radio in 1953, when Scotland were beaten 12-0 by Wales. Post a comment. In his teenage years, McLaren grew up to be a useful flank forward. But McLaren was never a coarse man! 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. In other words, the first part refers to Hasting pulling up his shorts. However, when it comes to monster kicks, there can be only Welsh rugby player worthy of that giant-sized accolade. 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. The Late Great Bill McLaren did! *And its a try by Hika the hooker from Ngongotaha (Wales v New Zealand 1980). 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. Sandy Ryan captured the vacant WBO welterweight title as she secured a wide points win over Marie Pier Houle. They say down at Stradey that if ever you catch him you get to make a wish. Commentators today cannot match the wit and the speed of his comments. 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]. Eddie went to Monmouth school, on the border of England and Wales, an institution reluctant to select players for Wales school sides. (This usually doesnt end up well for the catcher!). 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. I dont care! He went on the first two of those tours. 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. 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. Mark Andrews played 77 tests at lock for South Africa from 1994 to 2002. I think McLaren is saying that hed quickly lay bricks to build a wall as a defense. 138KG of prime South African beef referring to the Springboks heaviest player ever, Flippie van der Merwe. No one will ever evoke the spirit of Rugby like Bill. 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. [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.
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