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Classic phrases from commentator Bill McLaren - The Independent *Hes like a raging bull with a bad head. Craig Quinnell was a giant (and I mean giant) lock. *Ive hardly ever had to pay to get in (the best thing in his view about 50 years of commentary at rugby matches). That feared Welsh team of the seventies won three Grand Slams, with Davies tearing up the wing in each of them. There was an incident in a match where Ubogos shorts were ripped down the side. Geoghegan was one of my favorite players in the early nineties, and I think McLaren describes him fairly well! Sadly, McLaren, known as 'the voice of rugby' for his brilliant BBC commentaries, had died earlier in the . [2] Contents Early life McLaren was married to Bette, with whom he had two daughters Linda (born 1952) and Janie (born 1954, died 2000). Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. 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. John Beattie | 16:53 UK time, Tuesday, 19 January 2010. Butler took over from McLaren as the BBCs senior commentator in 2002. Eddie Butler: The remarkable life of the 'voice of rugby' I dont know which big man won the ball. Rugby lost its true voice on Tuesday when much-loved and respected Scottish commentator Bill McLaren passed away at the age of 86. 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. This is considered one of the greatest tries in the history of the sport. But the twins never played on the same Scotland team! We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. Pontypool played on a public park, but were making a name for themselves in Welsh rugby, often not in a good way. *I was there (at Twickenham) in 1938 when Scotland won 28-16. Phil Bennet was a renowned Welsh flyhalf from the 1970s. But this quote always comes back to me when a tall and ungainly youngster breaks free. However, he said it was fair to describe the room as "chaotic" and added: "It was an absolute tip. Sometimes you had to tug away for a wee while. HIS 50 years behind the microphone led to his reputation as the voice of rugby. 20 of the best quotes from the 'Voice of Rugby' Bill McLaren Colin Meads was capped 55 times for the All Blacks from 1957 to 1971. Bill survived. Eddies mother, Margaret (nee Asplen), was a Londoner and later the couple ran a guesthouse in Raglan, Monmouthshire. 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. 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. In 2000 Bill and Bette lost their daughter Janie to cancer. 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. The depth of McLarens research became legendary, and he would spend days watching teams train in the week before a match, and then spend nights practising with his own special packet of cards. His unique contribution to the commentators art has been applauded by both his peers and listeners alike the world over.. From next spring, the Bill McLaren 100 exhibition will share Hawick Museum with a display charting Hawick Rugby Club's 150 years. It was nothing personal. It is not being overly melancholic to say that the Six Nations Championship has never seemed quite the same since McLaren retired. His nickname was Car Crash for his effect on the opposition ball carrier! 15 of the best quotes from the 'Voice of Rugby' Bill McLaren 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. *And its a try by Hika the hooker from Ngongotaha (Wales v New Zealand 1980). The All Blacks that day looked like great prophets of doom. All rights reserved. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. [5][6], He played in a Scotland trial in 1947 and was on the verge of a full international cap before contracting tuberculosis. But it was from the table-tennis commentary that the desire to call the shots on rugby union came. Windsor said: The biggest fear with him was when he finishes how do we replace him? His career included winning the 1995 World Cup. 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. 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. Here is McLaren on Scott Gibbs, a burly Welsh center who switched successfully between rugby league and rugby union. Bill believed passionately in sportsmanship. The place-kicking routines of some modern fly halves may seem to be increasingly odd and elaborate. Im a little unsure on how to unpack this quote. Early life and rugby career. You'll see why. Most populous nation: Should India rejoice or panic? The study of the "voice of rugby" was where match-day preparations took place during his 50-year career. Let's see if you can match the quote to the player or coach! He did so, rushed back to the hospital, but she had died that afternoon while he was on air. [2] He would later play for Hawick RFC. BBC Rewind pays tribute to legendary commentator Bill McLaren who became known as "the voice of rugby". The BBC also wheeled Butler out when big, multi-sport events were taking place, his seemingly effortless bardic style bringing them to life. Bill Mclaren: Flower of Scotland - YouTube They are different. 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. [2] Renowned throughout the sport, his enthusiasm and memorable turn of phrase endeared him to many.[3]. I think the jink is dying in modern rugby certainly the Welsh are trying to keep it alive lets hope its never lost. 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. Tell a friend. We won't even try and break down this Steve Fenwick try for you: nobody could do it better than the inimitable Bill McLaren . His spirit lives on here in this blog and in The Bill McLaren Foundation. Anyone else know for sure who Bill was referring to when he said He could sidestep 3 men in a telephone box ? 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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 . [9], In later life, McLaren contracted Alzheimer's; he had been renowned for his excellent memory.[10]. 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.. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. [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. Breeks are breeches. The Voice Of Rugby by Bill McLaren | Goodreads Definitely one of the Welsh greats from that era think Id go for Gareth Edwards, Gerald Davies or the phenomenal Phil Bennett. He was awarded his MBE in 1992, an OBE in 1995 and a CBE in the 2003 honours list. 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. Here is McLaren on a tall lock from the amateur era who also happened to be a copper. Scotland always won. This weekend, like any other when the Six Nations Championship is being held, he will watch the matches from television at his home. It simply did not matter. 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. Heres a quote that probably needs a translation for a non-Scottish audience: He hoists his breeks, does a little shammy shammy. I thought the telephone box line was about Robert Jones. Here is McLaren watching defenders bouncing off legendary All Black winger Jonah Lomu. After their divorce, he married Susan Roberts, with whom he had a further three children, Jacob, Nell and Seth. Known as 'the voice of rugby', he retired from commentating in 2002. BBC Archive: Commentary gold with Bill McLaren - BBC Sport Is climate change killing Australian wine? Over the following five decades he became one of the most recognisable and favoured voices on radio and television. Ive still got the fictional reports I used to write when I was a wee boy of seven or eight. There is another more coarse use of the term laying bricks which could also apply at the sight of Lomu charging towards you. (c) Find someone who loves rugbyand send this link as a surprise gift (birthday, Christmas or any time just because you love them). Stradey Park was the home ground for Llanelli RFC. It was through his junior reporting with the Hawick Express that he launched himself into a career of commentary, making his national debut for BBC radio in 1953, when Scotland were beaten 12-0 by Wales. Keep up to date with the latest stories with our WalesOnline newsletter. 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). 21K views, 416 likes, 40 loves, 28 comments, 44 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from The Welsh Rugby Union: #WALvENG75: . McLaren lived in Hawick with wife Bette, who he met on a blind date at in the towns hall in 1947. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This refers to Wade Dooley who was a policeman who walked the beat in the seaside town of Blackpool. Hence, the runaway bullet description. Craig in particular used to laugh to himself as opposition crowds (usually English) yelled down to him that he was fat. Until his retirement in 2002, he was known as 'the voice of rugby'. Ive already described Doddie Weir in the previous quote. His expressions and the sound of that unique Scottish burrrr, remain vivid memories for a generation who grew up to enjoy and admire his commentaries during the 50 years of his tenure. In this case, McLaren is referring to the entire Springbok pack. 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. McLaren died on 19 January 2010 at the age of 86 in his home town of Hawick. Oct 20 Celebrate what would have been Bill's 100th year with fantastic company & storytelling from @JiffyRugby & @MrAndrewCotter, plus special guests! Bill McLaren was the best rugby commentator of all time and one of the best men the world has ever seen. Derek Quinnell played for Wales but this quote refers to two of his sons. Phill Bennetts club was Llanelli (part of which would morph into the Scarlets in the professional era). ), 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.. We were honoured when Bills daughter, Linda, wrote a beautiful piece for last weeks post. He loved the characters in the game. @Rich am not sure could be Jones, or @Brendan could be Phil Bennet or Gerald Davies who could also jink. 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. 1953 was his first appearance on national radio and he went on . Video, The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure, Hawick pays tribute to its most famous son, BBC Archive: Commentary gold with Bill McLaren, Trump mistrial request denied in NY rape lawsuit, Explosion derails train in Russian border region, US rock band Aerosmith announce farewell tour, MasterChef Australia host Jock Zonfrillo dies, DeSantis-backed board votes to countersue Disney, Father tells how gunman opened fire on Texas home, Street piano confiscated as public 'break rules', NFL player's daughter, aged two, drowns in pool, Russia launches missile attacks on Ukraine. Brown also captained Scotland ten times, including three victories over England. Barry John, yes, maybe. 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 couple famously used to play 18 holes of golf together every day. Murray Watson is going through Bill's vast archive ahead of this autumn's exhibition. Meanwhile, scroll down to choose a story categorised by a country or a sport. Known as 'the voice of rugby', he retired from commentating in 2002. But McLaren was delighted and provided his listening audience with helpful commentary as to what was going on. He was known as 'The Voice Of 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. 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. He stood 66 and carried a huge frame. 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.. 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