bill mclaren on welsh rugby

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. At 63, Meads wasnt particularly tall. 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.". He was awarded his MBE in 1992, an OBE in 1995 and a CBE in the 2003 honours list. Derek Quinnell played for Wales but this quote refers to two of his sons. 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. But McLaren was delighted and provided his listening audience with helpful commentary as to what was going on. 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. The legendary fullback was capped 61 times between 1986 and 1995. Bill believed in sportsmanship - shaking hands, thanking the ref, respect, fun and, of course, competition. Sadly, McLaren, known as 'the voice of rugby' for his brilliant BBC commentaries, had died earlier in the year, but the visit to the Border town rekindled memories of Lawson's youth and gave him the subject matter to lift his side ahead of an encounter against the world champion Springboks. Bill McLaren Rugby Quotes (With Explanations) - Rugby Dome 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 did so, rushed back to the hospital, but she had died that afternoon while he was on air. 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. Barry John, yes, maybe. There was also an internet campaign last year to give McLaren, from Hawick in the Scottish Borders, a knighthood for his work. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. Bill McLaren's 'chaotic' study to be recreated - BBC News From his first marriage, to Jennifer Jones, Butler had three children, Rebecca, Hannah and Jack. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. Who would even think, let alone say, something like this on live TV? 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. Beaumont also captained England 21 times. 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. 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. The son of a knitwear salesman, during the second world war Bill found himself in Italy, a second lieutenant in the Royal Artillery. The late Graeme Moody was a widely respected radio rugby commentator for 35 years. Bill McLaren - Alchetron, The Free Social Encyclopedia The Late Great Bill McLaren did! 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. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies. 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. A hod carrier is someone who works on a building site and carries a pile of bricks on something that looks like a shovel. See less. Eddie Butler was a rarity in top-class sport. In this case, the kicker is Peter Brown, who played 27 times for Scotland between 1964 and 73. 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. William Henry Thomas, the forgotten Welsh Hero of 1888 by @Wil94831317Bill April 23 2023 marks 135 years . 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. Thanks v much Jasen, keep them coming. His career included winning the 1995 World Cup. This weekend, like any other when the Six Nations Championship is being held, he will watch the matches from television at his home. (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. With one of his daughters, Nell, he was raising money for prostate cancer on the hike to Machu Picchu. My proof is McLarens commentary his shimmy shammy is a perfect description of those twitches. That teammate was winger Gerald Davies. However, when it comes to monster kicks, there can be only Welsh rugby player worthy of that giant-sized accolade. Victor Ubogo who was capped for England 24 times between 1992 and 1999. Among the personal highlights of his career were the commentary for Scotlands Grand Slam victory over England at Murrayfield in 1990. His sidestep was marvelous, like a shaft of lightning. Perhaps it was the . 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. 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. There is another more coarse use of the term laying bricks which could also apply at the sight of Lomu charging towards you. McLaren would have chuckled at that notion, but the love of rugby in Wales was something he always . He loved it when he got abuse from the terraces. But in that same year he contracted tuberculosis, and so began the second fight for his life. Born in Newport, south-east Wales, Butler was a first-generation public schoolboy and a first generation Welshman. 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]. Appointed CBE in 2003, he is survived by Bette and his daughter Linda. But this quote always comes back to me when a tall and ungainly youngster breaks free. Bill Mclaren would never be so uncouth. He has two famous sons-in-law, Linda married former Scotland rugby scrum half Alan Lawson and Janie married horse racing commentator Derek Thompson. The BBC also wheeled Butler out when big, multi-sport events were taking place, his seemingly effortless bardic style bringing them to life. But McLaren was clearly of the opinion that the lock was well-nourished! Dinner plates cant clasp a ball. 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 where I disagree with the great commentator. In his early union career, he toured with the British and Irish Lions to New Zealand aged only 22. There must have been something inside me that wanted to describe rugby football to people, he once said. 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.. 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. The beloved commentator sadly passed away in 2010 but his legacy will live on forever. We won't even try and break down this Steve Fenwick try for you: nobody could do it better than the inimitable Bill McLaren . Throughout his distinguished career he earned . Over the. William Pollock McLaren CBE (16 October 1923 - 19 January 2010) was a Scottish rugby union commentator, teacher, journalist and one time rugby player. Bill McLaren - Wikipedia We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. Some commentators will quickly blabber something innocuous to draw attention away from the incident. Fri 10th Feb @PrestonfieldHH Get your tickets today!! McLaren, now in his 86th year, lives quietly at his home in Hawick, in the beautiful Scottish borders. Rugby greats from past and present gathered at Murrayfield last night to remember veteran commentator Bill McLaren. This quote aptly describes most days when I watch the All Blacks take on my national team. They both go up like two pieces of white bread in a pop-up toaster. 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He became a columnist and journalist who was not. But taking centre stage will be the recreation of Bill's study. *He kicked that ball like it were 3 pounds o haggis. Three ofthe five died. Here is McLaren watching a lock forward making a break up the field. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Murray Watson is going through Bill's vast archive ahead of this autumn's exhibition. 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. Regarding He could sidestep 3 men in a telephone box would this be a welsh wizard, Barry John? Hes like Bambi on speed. What a description of one of Irelands greatest wingers. He was particularly renowned for his place kicking which won plenty of games for his country. [7]. 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". Bill McLaren's 'Best Bits' - Highlights from the Voice of Rugby But McLaren isnt too impressed with the flankers ball-handling skills! This refers to Scottish fullback Gavin Hastings. Known as 'the voice of rugby', he retired from commentating in 2002. Its seven years now since the man with the golden voice finally laid down his famous microphone. 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. The disease nearly killed him and forced him to give up playing. But despite an internet campaign last year, he was never knighted. 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. 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]. He was tough and willing. 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. McLaren is describing the kicker action. 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. Butler took over from McLaren as the BBCs senior commentator in 2002. Known as 'the voice of rugby', he retired from commentating in 2002. Bill McLaren obituary | Rugby union | The Guardian A banner was also held up by one of the Cardiff crowd proclaiming: "Bill McLaren is Welsh". *Those props are as cunning as a bag o weasels. 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. Welsh fly half Dan Biggar has a lengthy pre-kick ritual of repeatedly twitching and touching his hair as he stares at the ball on the tee. See also my TEDx Talk: How Sportsmanship Can Change The World. Calder also captained the Lions on tour to Australia in 1989. This is considered one of the greatest tries in the history of the sport. Bill McLaren's career behind the microphone began with BBC radio in 1953. Invite us to tell stories in your school or club. Ive already described Doddie Weir in the previous quote. 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. '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 toured with the Lions in 1977 to South Africa. The 58-year-old, who works as a commentator for S4C, said: He was wonderful to me in the sense that I was on the bench for Gareth all that time, but he made me feel just as important as if Id been playing. Bill McClaren Rugby at its Greatest - YouTube The late great, Bill McLaren was simply the worlds best rugby commentator ever. Butler was born on 8 May 1957. 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. Running (can anyone tell us who Bill was referring to here? 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He was known as 'The Voice Of Rugby'. This is what McLaren had to say about Phil Bennett, the great Welsh flyhalf. Historian Murray Watson said he had spent two years going through 30,000 different items from the room. Hes not a man you could hide in a lineout! When Bill McLaren helped Scotland enjoy the sweetest of victories Scott played at centre and was bigger than most players at that level. His spirit lives on here in this blog and in The Bill McLaren Foundation. 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. 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. 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. But McLaren was never a coarse man! Definitely one of the Welsh greats from that era think Id go for Gareth Edwards, Gerald Davies or the phenomenal Phil Bennett. Read about our approach to external linking. I think it might be easier to tackle a snooker table than Lomu. Phill Bennetts club was Llanelli (part of which would morph into the Scarlets in the professional era). 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. The big Blackpool policeman standing like a lighthouse at the back of the lineout. Then two through Janie: former Edinburgh and Scotland 7s player Jim Thompson and other son Alex. Renowned throughout the sport, his enthusiasm and memorable turn of phrase endeared him to many. 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. During a career with the BBC which spanned almost 50 years, McLaren became the most famous and respected commentator in the game. Geoghegan was one of the best wingers of his generation but had to retire early due to a foot injury. Brown was a forward who took the place kicks. His first commentary was made while recovering from TB, describing table tennis matches for the hospital radio. ), 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.. Davies scored twenty tries in 46 tests, an impressive feat both then and now. 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. HIS 50 years behind the microphone led to his reputation as "the voice of rugby". Our previous quotes have generally referred to a single individual. His nickname was Pine Tree. The image would haunt him for the rest of his days. *I was there (at Twickenham) in 1938 when Scotland won 28-16. 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. And what about Stradey? 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?).

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