bill mclaren on welsh rugby

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. 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. Bill McLaren - The Telegraph Ive put the quote in the Scottish section because of the burn reference. His sidestep was marvelous, like a shaft of lightning. 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. McLaren, now in his 86th year, lives quietly at his home in Hawick, in the beautiful Scottish borders. Ive already described Doddie Weir in the previous quote. And I dont think you ever will replace a fellow like that because he was just unique in the way he spoke and commentated on games.. His club was the Hawick Harlequins, Hawick being a town in Scotland. About the author Bill McLaren 11 books2 followers Tell a friend. The Welsh golden age ofthe 1970s would not have been so gilded without the soundtrack of Bill to the exploits ofGareth Edwards. [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. They both go up like two pieces of white bread in a pop-up toaster. 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. 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. Breeks are breeches. Oct 20 Celebrate what would have been Bill's 100th year with fantastic company & storytelling from @JiffyRugby & @MrAndrewCotter, plus special guests! *His sidestep was marvellous like a shaft of lightning (description of Welsh wing Gerald Davies). Sometimes you had to tug away for a wee while. Join us to celebrate what would have been Bill's 100th year with this fantastic line up: Welsh rugby legend and Bill's former commentary box colleague JONATHAN DAVIES and pitch p . 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. I just love this quote. Rugby for orchestra and full voice, and nobody made a sound quite like Bill McLaren. The son of a knitwear salesman, during the second world war Bill found himself in Italy, a second lieutenant in the Royal Artillery. Murray Watson is going through Bill's vast archive ahead of this autumn's exhibition. Despite his size, Doddie could be a dynamic player. Eddie Butler obituary | Rugby union | The Guardian 20 of the best quotes from the 'Voice of Rugby' Bill McLaren From his first marriage, to Jennifer Jones, Butler had three children, Rebecca, Hannah and Jack. The BBC also wheeled Butler out when big, multi-sport events were taking place, his seemingly effortless bardic style bringing them to life. This is considered one of the greatest tries in the history of the sport. From next spring, the Bill McLaren 100 exhibition will share Hawick Museum with a display charting Hawick Rugby Club's 150 years. 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]. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. His running action could look a little ungainly. Having memorised the names, he then liked to watch the players in training, listening to them. Farewell to Bill McLaren 'the voice of rugby' - Logo of the BBC Former Wales captain Gwyn Jones, 37, said McLaren was famous for dispensing Hawick balls Scottish butter mint sweets to everyone he met. His smaller brother Scott was three inches shorter but with a similar frame. Its seven years now since the man with the golden voice finally laid down his famous microphone. But McLaren isnt too impressed with the flankers ball-handling skills! Scott played at centre and was bigger than most players at that level. 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. When Bill McLaren helped Scotland enjoy the sweetest of victories Bill McLaren - Wikipedia Eddies mother, Margaret (nee Asplen), was a Londoner and later the couple ran a guesthouse in Raglan, Monmouthshire. He merely points out that the two brothers were well-fed! *And its a try by Hika the hooker from Ngongotaha (Wales v New Zealand 1980). For a year short of a full half-century, first on radio and from 1962 on BBC television, Bill's voice washed over rugby union, soothing and harmonious. Read about our approach to external linking. Known as 'the voice of rugby', he retired from commentating in 2002. Meanwhile, scroll down to choose a story categorised by a country or a sport. 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. 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?). No matter what it was you couldnt wait to hear what he had to say whenever he said that! Of course, it was never said quite like he would have said it himself, in his honeyed, Borders burr, tinged with the impishness that suggested that none of this was tobe taken too seriously. 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. 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. "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. With the cameras trained on his face, the Scotsman yelled out his frustration. Appointed CBE in 2003, he is survived by Bette and his daughter Linda. After retirement, McLaren wrote the book Rugby's Great Heroes and Entertainers in 2003. He was used as a forward spotter, and on one occasion was confronted by a mound of 1,500 corpses in an Italian churchyard, an unpleasant experience which never left him. 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. Aidan Smith's Saturday Interview: Welsh wizard John Taylor on one of Scotland always won. Tell us your story. But McLaren was never a coarse man! 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. John Beattie | 16:53 UK time, Tuesday, 19 January 2010. On Phil Bennett: "They say down at Stradey that if ever you catch him [Phil Bennett] you get to make a wish." Craig in particular used to laugh to himself as opposition crowds (usually English) yelled down to him that he was fat. It is not being overly melancholic to say that the Six Nations Championship has never seemed quite the same since McLaren retired. Bill McLaren, horoscope for birth date 16 October 1923, born in - Astro Brown also captained Scotland ten times, including three victories over England. Please do pass the word on so many more people can enjoy the spirit of the late great Bill McLaren. The physio came on with spare shorts. He was just a lovely, lovely man and I was privileged to have worked with him and more importantly to have met him.. Dont forget, firstly, theres lots of rugby stories (scroll down the right hand side to see rugby in the categories) and secondly, there are 4 separate posts containing Bills Quotes. Bill believed in sportsmanship shaking hands, thanking the ref, respect, fun and, of course, competition. You may also know him as a top blazer in World Rugby. Hes up there with great commentators like John Arlott [cricket], Henry Longhurst [golf], Dan Maskell [tennis] and Peter Alliss [golf].. 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. He became more famous once his playing days were over for his work as a broadcaster, journalist and novelist. "It was full of books, newspaper cuttings, magazines and videos - there were three piles of videos from floor to ceiling. He declined the third to South Africa on principled objections to Apartheid. McLaren passed away at the age of 86 in 2010. I think the jink is dying in modern rugby certainly the Welsh are trying to keep it alive lets hope its never lost. Bill McLaren's 'Best Bits' - Highlights from the Voice of Rugby 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. Well, no dancing in the streets of Hawick tonight but Scotland were unlucky to lose by a 14 pt margin. 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. Susan and his children survive him. He served with the Royal Artillery in Italy during the Second World War,[2] including the Battle of Monte Cassino. 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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. Heres another interesting fact about Finlay. William Pollock McLaren CBE (16 October 1923 - 19 January 2010) was a Scottish rugby union commentator, teacher, journalist and one time rugby player. McLarens final commentary was the game between Wales and Scotland at the Millennium Stadium in 2002, when the crowd sang For Hes a Jolly Good Fellow and one Welsh supporter displayed a banner claiming Bill McLaren is Welsh. Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Geoghegan was one of the best wingers of his generation but had to retire early due to a foot injury. Renowned throughout the sport, his enthusiasm and a memorable turn of phrase endeared him to all rugby fans. Ryan simply had too much for Canadian Houle as her precision and power saw her control . In his early union career, he toured with the British and Irish Lions to New Zealand aged only 22. Ruck.co.uk: the leading rugby union news and content network delivering you the latest news, views and all the moves in Rugby Union. Here are seven quotes. Its similar to a coo kicking over a milk pail. Tackling like a car crash Here is McLaren on Scott Gibbs, a burly Welsh center who switched successfully between rugby league and rugby union. Among the personal highlights of his career were the commentary for Scotlands Grand Slam victory over England at Murrayfield in 1990. Classic phrases from commentator Bill McLaren - The Independent 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. Born in Chorley, Lancashire, he played 10 times at Test level and proved an exceptional player for Swansea RFC, for whom he made 242 appearances and skippered in 1976-77. Bill McClaren Rugby at its Greatest - YouTube Video unavailable 0:00 / 0:31 Video unavailable This video contains content from Six Nations Rugby, who has blocked it in your country on. 329 pages, Hardcover First published October 1, 2004 Book details & editions Loading interface. In this case, the kicker is Peter Brown, who played 27 times for Scotland between 1964 and 73. *Theyll be dancing in the streets of Hawick/Selkirk/ tonight. Bill McLaren - Wikipedia [2] He coached several Hawick youngsters who went on to play for Scotland, including Jim Renwick, Colin Deans and Tony Stanger. 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]. This is unusual (Australias John Eales is the only other one I can think of). But his impartiality was never questioned. 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. Later this year the foundation will host a major exhibition to celebrate the centenary of Bill's birth on 16 October 1923. 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. 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. Three ofthe five died. Boyce, 65, said: I cant think of anyone in rugby football who was more loved and more respected than Bill McLaren. The switch to television came six years later. Here is McLaren watching defenders bouncing off legendary All Black winger Jonah Lomu. He was particularly renowned for his place kicking which won plenty of games for his country. Stradey is a location in the middle of the town of Llanelli. This week Ollie Campbell (Ireland & Lions fly half) told me that just the mention of Bill McLarens name brings great memories gushing back. The All Blacks that day looked like great prophets of doom. There must have been something inside me that wanted to describe rugby football to people, he once said. They are different. At least the table doesnt bend and lean forward to crash through you. Bill Beaumont played in the second row for England 34 times between 1975 and 1982. The late great, Bill McLaren was simply the world's best rugby commentator ever. Hes like Bambi on speed. What a description of one of Irelands greatest wingers. 15 of the best quotes from the 'Voice of Rugby' Bill McLaren Matt Williams. 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. I think McLaren is saying that hed quickly lay bricks to build a wall as a defense. While he convalesced, he began to commentate on table tennis for hospital radio. He was renowned for his turns of phrase. On Victor Ubogus behind England v South Africa. In this title, Bill McLaren talks poignantly about his entire life, focusing on his 50 years as chief rugby commentator for the BBC. It troubled him that he was not by her side when she died, but Janie had ordered him to the commentary box. The one-time captain of Wales was the natural heir of the "voice of rugby", Bill. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 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). I thought the telephone box line was about Robert Jones. 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 captaining Pontypool between 1982 and 1985, Butler had a brief spell as a press and publicity officer at Radio Wales before beginning a career in newspaper journalism with the shortlived Sunday Correspondent (1989-90) and later the Observer and Guardian, before also returning to the BBC as a journalist. The beloved commentator sadly passed away in 2010 but his legacy will live . The prop blithely stepped out of his breeks and bent over to put on the pristine pair. Winger Simon Geoghegan who was capped 37 times for Ireland between 1991 and 1996. Bill played for Combined Services XV in Italy in 1946, Hawick High School XV in 1937 with Bill McLaren, second from right on back row, The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. News, views and all the moves in the world of Rugby Union, On Phil Bennett:They say down at Stradey that if ever you catch him [Phil Bennett] you get to make a wish., On Jonah Lomu:Im no hod carrier but I would be laying bricks if he [Jonah L] was running at me., On Grant Batty:He plays like a runaway bullet., On Gerald Davies:His sidestep was marvellous like a shaft of lightning., Its high enough, its long enough AND ITS STRAIGHT ENOUGH.. He became a columnist and journalist who was not. WRU chairman and former Wales captain David Pickering called him a legendary broadcaster and a thorough professional. But this quote always comes back to me when a tall and ungainly youngster breaks free. "Give me a wee tug on the sleeve, son, if you want to come in." @Rich am not sure could be Jones, or @Brendan could be Phil Bennet or Gerald Davies who could also jink. 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. [2], McLaren's journalistic career started as a junior reporter with the Hawick Express. 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. 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. They had 5 grandchildren, three through Linda: Scotland scrum-half and Gloucester player Rory, Morphsuits co-founder and former Scotland 7s player Gregor and a daughter Lindsay. Here is McLaren watching a lock forward making a break up the field. It is not. Thanks v much Jasen, keep them coming. How well will you do? He saw no evil and spoke no evil. However, Gibbs was also renowned as a hard-tackling machine. He was also very fast. As fiercely passionate a Scot as you could wish to meet, McLaren never let nationality cloud his judgement. 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. Now think of those gangly steps when under the influence of a particular illegal substance! His first commentary was made while recovering from TB, describing table tennis matches for the hospital radio. Renwick sent the ball sailing wide. Here is McLaren on two sturdy brothers who were giants of Welsh rugby in more ways than one. Geoghegan was one of my favorite players in the early nineties, and I think McLaren describes him fairly well! Phill Bennetts club was Llanelli (part of which would morph into the Scarlets in the professional era). There wont be the same amusing phrases, the vivid descriptions of players and locations from the contemporary commentators. 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. (modern), Bill McLaren in 2002, the year of his retirement Photograph: Huw John / Rex Features. He was capped 61 times from 1990 to 2000. 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. But commanding the most space in the Wilton Park museum will be Bill's vast archive of rugby memorabilia and reports. The beloved commentator sadly passed away in 2010 but his legacy will live on forever. Bill McLaren, a gentleman with passion and a rare gift for description. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. 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. Fri 10th Feb @PrestonfieldHH Get your tickets today!! Over the. 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. 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. Throughout his distinguished career he earned . This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. 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. Hence the description of the run-away giraffe. 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. He has two famous sons-in-law, Linda married former Scotland rugby scrum half Alan Lawson and Janie married horse racing commentator Derek Thompson. He didnt always get his place on the Welsh team but he toured twice with the British and Irish Lions and captained the 1977 tour to New Zealand. His voice was almost operatic in its clarity and range as he described his son-in-law Alan Lawson scoring against England in 1976, when he managed to convey the excitement of the moment without bias, as only he could. Nice one Richard I heard a commentator, this weekend (15/2/15), actually try to use Bills exquisite expression. So I think the wall is the correct interpretation. Bill McLaren was the best rugby commentator of all time and one of the best men the world has ever seen. *Im no hod carrier but Id be laying bricks if he was running at me (description of Jonah Lomu). 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". 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. Is climate change killing Australian wine? His charging runs may be what Maclaren is referring to in the quote. No, coo isnt a typo. 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Known as 'the voice of rugby', he retired from commentating in 2002. Eddie Butler became the voice of Welsh rugby and a contributor to the Guardian and Observer. 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. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies. [2] In 1953, he made his national debut for BBC Radio, covering Scotland's 120 loss to Wales. I dont care! After their divorce, he married Susan Roberts, with whom he had a further three children, Jacob, Nell and Seth. Keep up to date with the latest stories with our WalesOnline newsletter. It was there that Bill became music. Perhaps it was the . He almost jumped to his left and right without changing speed. You can use our stories in a structured programme. This is what McLaren had to say about Phil Bennett, the great Welsh flyhalf. Stradey Park was the home ground for Llanelli RFC. You can probably tell that McLaren wasnt too impressed with Browns kicking style! Over the following five decades he became one of the most recognisable and favoured voices on radio and television. When they get going, its like watching cattle stampede, huge fellows who thunder about the paddock like mad rhinos. After that tour, he switched to playing league but then returned to union. Some of his finest broadcasting work came in the form of montages and voiceovers during the London Olympics of 2012. think of a trout leaping up a stream. 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. This refers to Wade Dooley who was a policeman who walked the beat in the seaside town of Blackpool.

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