If there was violence, itwas never anything more than "brief shenanigans", and nobody ever kicked a ball badly, but merely made it look abit like one of Bill's own "scruffy nineirons". JPRs former Welsh teammate, winger JJ Williams, 60, from Bridgend, said the commentator had the knack of finding adjectives to makes something ordinary sound fantastic. 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. Here is where I disagree with the great commentator. He was known for sidestepping opponents to leave them floundering in his wake. Prosser realised that Butler, with his analytical, calmer approach to the game, could bring something extra to his side, and by 1979 the great Wales coach Carwyn Jones was canvassing for the 21-year-old Butler to be captain of the Wales B team. He had a unique way to take an interest in every international player and making you feel so important when he bumped into you. Here is McLaren watching a kicker for Hawick Harlequins who is furious with himself for missing a penalty kick. Bill's preparation was meticulous and involved a lot of card-play. Some of his finest broadcasting work came in the form of montages and voiceovers during the London Olympics of 2012. Phil Bennet was a renowned Welsh flyhalf from the 1970s. sidestep 3 men in a phonebox? Here is McLaren on a tall lock from the amateur era who also happened to be a copper. Bill McClaren Rugby at its Greatest - YouTube Ive still got the fictional reports I used to write when I was a wee boy of seven or eight. 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]. I dont know which big man won the ball. Bennett had also played against New Zealand for the Barbarians in 1973. 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. And given the stamp he put on so many of Wales most glorious post-war rugby moments, McLaren may well be missed almost as much in Wales as he will be in Scotland, not to mention the world over. Ive already described Doddie Weir in the previous quote. Start your Independent Premium subscription today. The physio came on with spare shorts. Eddie Butler became the voice of Welsh rugby and a contributor to the Guardian and Observer. 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Renowned throughout the sport, his enthusiasm and memorable turn of phrase endeared him to many. Regarding He could sidestep 3 men in a telephone box would this be a welsh wizard, Barry John? 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. Rugby greats pay tribute to Bill McLaren, who died yesterday McLaren, from Hawick in the Borders, was known as the "voice of rugby" and died . 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. Gerald Davies was capped for Wales as a centre in 1966. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. [2] Renowned throughout the sport, his enthusiasm and memorable turn of phrase endeared him to many.[3]. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. The camera chose to focus on his rear at this moment. Calder was an openside flanker who was known for his abrasive play. Meads grew up on a sheep farm and raised his own family on a farm. He merely points out that the two brothers were well-fed! Bill McLaren's career behind the microphone began with BBC radio in 1953. "Give me a wee tug on the sleeve, son, if you want to come in." I dont care! *Hes like a demented ferret up a wee drainpipe. William Pollock McLaren CBE (16 October 1923 19 January 2010) was a Scottish rugby union commentator, teacher, journalist and one time rugby player. The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. Known as 'the voice of rugby', he retired from commentating in 2002. He was capped 15 times for the All Blacks between 1972 and 1977. Fri Feb 3 2023 - 10:29. That feared Welsh team of the seventies won three Grand Slams, with Davies tearing up the wing in each of them. Eddie went to Monmouth school, on the border of England and Wales, an institution reluctant to select players for Wales school sides. It was just that Bill, given the choice of two television monitors, liked to hunch over the one closer to him. Over the following five decades he became one of the most recognisable and favoured voices on radio and television. 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His club was the Hawick Harlequins, Hawick being a town in Scotland. He was just a lovely, lovely man and I was privileged to have worked with him and more importantly to have met him.. His voice came to represent rugby in the same way Murray Walkers did motor racing and Peter OSullevans horse racing. Gareth Edwards whose 1972 try for Wales against Scotland in the Cardiff mud was the inspiration for one of McLarens most well-known commentaries called him one of the great commentators, if not the best, in the world of rugby. Explore in 3D: The dazzling crown that makes a king. Well, no dancing in the streets of Hawick tonight but Scotland were unlucky to lose by a 14 pt margin. Comments. 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. Here is McLaren on two sturdy brothers who were giants of Welsh rugby in more ways than one. When he hits you, you think the roof has just fallen in. Now think of those gangly steps when under the influence of a particular illegal substance! Bill McLaren, horoscope for birth date 16 October 1923, born in - Astro Oct 20 Celebrate what would have been Bill's 100th year with fantastic company & storytelling from @JiffyRugby & @MrAndrewCotter, plus special guests! 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. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. But he was broad-shouldered and had a big physical presence. He was particularly renowned for his place kicking which won plenty of games for his country. He served with the Royal Artillery in Italy during the Second World War,[2] including the Battle of Monte Cassino. [2] He spent 19 months in a sanatorium in East Fortune in East Lothian, where he was given the experimental antibiotic streptomycin, which saved his life;[2] of the five patients given the drug, only two survived. You may also know him as a top blazer in World Rugby. This video contains content from Six Nations Rugby, who has blocked it in your country on copyright grounds Bill McLaren's 'Best Bits' - Highlights from the Voice of Rugby Bill McLaren. 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. 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.. This is considered one of the greatest tries in the history of the sport. Ryan simply had too much for Canadian Houle as her precision and power saw her control . *His sidestep was marvellous like a shaft of lightning (description of Welsh wing Gerald Davies). The late great, Bill McLaren was simply the world's best rugby commentator ever. However, there was a time when he lined up a kick as McLaren was commentating on a Scottish test. HIS 50 years behind the microphone led to his reputation as the voice of rugby. He went on the first two of those tours. He played in the second row and captained New Zealand eleven times. Rugby World Cup: Rugby's all-time greatest TV commentator revealed [2] Contents Early life Eddie Butler: The remarkable life of the 'voice of rugby' The Bill McLaren Voice of Rugby Dinner 2023 - Facebook Renowned throughout the sport, his enthusiasm and a memorable turn of phrase endeared him to all rugby fans. This is unusual (Australias John Eales is the only other one I can think of). McLaren passed away at the age of 86 in 2010. However, he said it was fair to describe the room as "chaotic" and added: "It was an absolute tip. 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. There was an incident in a match where Ubogos shorts were ripped down the side. Aidan Smith's Saturday Interview: Welsh wizard John Taylor on one of rugby's great contests, Bill McLaren, standing against apartheid and his worry that Scotland are "building something". Three of the others died but I made what amounted to a miracle recovery.. All rights reserved. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. A recreation of the office will act as a centrepiece of an exhibition to celebrate Bill's centenary. Renwick was also a placekicker, although not the usual first-choice kicker for his country. Sandy Ryan wins WBO welterweight world title with victory over Marie But McLaren isnt too impressed with the flankers ball-handling skills! New on @Playing_Pasts today A DRAGON AMONGST 'LIONS'! 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. My proof is McLarens commentary his shimmy shammy is a perfect description of those twitches. (McLaren offering a friend a mint). 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. William Henry Thomas, the forgotten Welsh Hero of 1888 by @Wil94831317Bill April 23 2023 marks 135 years . Butler. Bill survived. 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. 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. BILL McLaren will be remembered simply as the voice of rugby. Tell a friend. on Twitter: "New on @Playing_Pasts VideoThe secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure, LGBT troops take love for Eurovision to front line, Why an Indian comedian is challenging fake news rules. John Beattie | 16:53 UK time, Tuesday, 19 January 2010. We inspire a new generation with amazing, true, two minute stories about sportsmanship. He was capped 61 times from 1990 to 2000. *My goodness, that wee balls gone so high therell be snow on it when it comes down. '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. 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. Ubogo was a burly prop who could shift around the field. He knew it meant that the opposition feared him. WRU chairman and former Wales captain David Pickering called him a legendary broadcaster and a thorough professional. I think McLaren is saying that hed quickly lay bricks to build a wall as a defense. Photograph: David Rogers/Getty Images. The late great, Bill McLaren was simply the world's best rugby commentator ever. This week Ollie Campbell (Ireland & Lions fly half) told me that just the mention of Bill McLarens name brings great memories gushing back. 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. Classic phrases from commentator Bill McLaren - The Independent Here is McLaren watching two locks leaping to take the ball in a lineout. 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. The study of the "voice of rugby" was where match-day preparations took place during his 50-year career. This article gives you the quotes., who hes referring to, and an explanation. Matt Williams. "We have around 10,000 items of fan mail and we could only find one that had a complaint.". 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 . [9], In later life, McLaren contracted Alzheimer's; he had been renowned for his excellent memory.[10]. In 1947 he was back in Hawick and playing in a Scottish trial. After that tour, he switched to playing league but then returned to union. McLaren would have chuckled at that notion, but the love of rugby in Wales was something he always compared to his native Scottish border country. "And he was loved for his knowledge as well as his humour. During a career with the BBC which spanned almost 50 years, McLaren became the most famous and respected commentator in the game. Bill McLaren - Alchetron, The Free Social Encyclopedia There was also an internet campaign last year to give McLaren, from Hawick in the Scottish Borders, a knighthood for his work. A banner was also held up by one of the Cardiff crowd proclaiming: "Bill McLaren is Welsh". The Quinnell name is famous in Welsh rugby. "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. 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. *He plays like a runaway bullet (description of New Zealand wing Grant Batty). 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. 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. 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. The image would haunt him for the rest of his days. Among those to speak were McLaren's grandson Rory Lawson who competed for Scotland in the Calcutta Cup two days later. 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. He was so effective that he displaced Will Carling from the test team. The late Graeme Moody was a widely respected radio rugby commentator for 35 years. 138KG of prime South African beef referring to the Springboks heaviest player ever, Flippie van der Merwe. He became more famous once his playing days were over for his work as a broadcaster, journalist and novelist. [5] While in the hospital, he began his broadcasting career, by commenting on table tennis games on the hospital radio. Bill McLaren died on 19 January 2010 at the age of 86 in his home town of Hawick. Stradey Park was the home ground for Llanelli RFC. Renwick sent the ball sailing wide. This refers to Scottish fullback Gavin Hastings. 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. They say down at Stradey that if ever you catch him you get to make a wish. He hit opposition players and rucks with equal aggression. 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. Pity they couldnt get over for that second try. 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. Post a comment. He was a forward spotter deep in hostile territory, often on his own, identifying enemy targets and relaying the information back to his unit. See less. 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. However, when it comes to monster kicks, there can be only Welsh rugby player worthy of that giant-sized accolade. In 2000 Bill and Bette lost their daughter Janie to cancer. This week we continue with Big Boys. And what about Stradey? Here is McLarens summary: Im sure youre familiar with Bambi, the baby deer with gangly legs. (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. The legendary commentator, who retired in 2002 after almost 50 years as a broadcaster, died in hospital yesterday morning, aged 86. 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. Barry John, yes, maybe. The son of a knitwear salesman, during the second world war Bill found himself in Italy, a second lieutenant in the Royal Artillery. While he convalesced, he began to commentate on table tennis for hospital radio. His unique contribution to the commentators art has been applauded by both his peers and listeners alike the world over.. Geoghegan was one of my favorite players in the early nineties, and I think McLaren describes him fairly well! The proud scot also liked to use Scottish phrasing which sometimes needs interpretation for the rest of us. 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. (modern), Bill McLaren in 2002, the year of his retirement Photograph: Huw John / Rex Features. 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. 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.. Hes not a man you could hide in a lineout! 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). The experience would later colour Butlers journalism in print particularly he was sympathetic to the players plying their rough trade. His sidestep was marvelous, like a shaft of lightning. Butler became a published author in 2014. There must have been something inside me that wanted to describe rugby football to people, he once said. *Im no hod carrier but Id be laying bricks if he was running at me (description of Jonah Lomu). William Pollock "Bill" McLaren, CBE (16 October 1923 - 19 January 2010) was a Scottish rugby union commentator, teacher, journalist and one time rugby player. There wont be the same amusing phrases, the vivid descriptions of players and locations from the contemporary commentators. Historian Murray Watson said he had spent two years going through 30,000 different items from the room. 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. Craig Quinnell was a giant (and I mean giant) lock. 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]. Stradey is a location in the middle of the town of Llanelli. Eddie Butler was a rarity in top-class sport. This refers to Jim Renwick, a Scottish center who was capped 52 times for Scotland (from 1972 to 84). He loved it when he got abuse from the terraces. Arguably the greatest sports commentator ever, certainly the greatest rugby commentator, Bill McLaren, known as The Voice Of Rugby believed passionately in sport and sportsmanship. McLaren died on 19 January 2010 at the age of 86 in his home town of Hawick. Hes up there with great commentators like John Arlott [cricket], Henry Longhurst [golf], Dan Maskell [tennis] and Peter Alliss [golf]..
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