"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. My proof is McLarens commentary his shimmy shammy is a perfect description of those twitches. Winger Simon Geoghegan who was capped 37 times for Ireland between 1991 and 1996. [2] He switched to television commentary six years later. This is how it sounds when McLaren says cow. Here is McLaren watching two locks leaping to take the ball in a lineout. Barry John, yes, maybe. 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. When he was discharged, he supplemented his work as a PE teacher with rugby reports for the Hawick Express, and was recommended from there to the BBC, joining the corporation in 1953. 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. 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. In this title, Bill McLaren talks poignantly about his entire life, focusing on his 50 years as chief rugby commentator for the BBC. 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. 21K views, 416 likes, 40 loves, 28 comments, 44 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from The Welsh Rugby Union: #WALvENG75: . Throughout his distinguished career he earned . 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. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Bill McLaren - Alchetron, The Free Social Encyclopedia 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. Commentators today cannot match the wit and the speed of his comments. 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. If you want to know more about who hes talking about and what he actually means, read through the later sections of this article. *Theyll be simply chuffed to bits down at. 20 of the best quotes from the 'Voice of Rugby' Bill McLaren But his impartiality was never questioned. See more. Scott played at centre and was bigger than most players at that level. 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. He was tough and willing. In his teenage years, McLaren grew up to be a useful flank forward. He was just a lovely, lovely man and I was privileged to have worked with him and more importantly to have met him.. In 2000 Bill and Bette lost their daughter Janie to cancer. think of a trout leaping up a stream. Murray added: "Bill was like the Wikipedia of rugby, long before there was Wikipedia. I thought the telephone box line was about Robert Jones. On Phil Bennett: "They say down at Stradey that if ever you catch him [Phil Bennett] you get to make a wish." [2], McLaren's journalistic career started as a junior reporter with the Hawick Express. [7]. His club was the Hawick Harlequins, Hawick being a town in Scotland. The beloved commentator sadly passed away in 2010 but his legacy will live on forever. 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. Early life and rugby career. But commanding the most space in the Wilton Park museum will be Bill's vast archive of rugby memorabilia and reports. This refers to Scottish fullback Gavin Hastings. 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. Running (can anyone tell us who Bill was referring to here? Phill Bennetts club was Llanelli (part of which would morph into the Scarlets in the professional era). [1] Renowned throughout the sport, his enthusiasm and memorable turn of phrase endeared him to many. The BBC also wheeled Butler out when big, multi-sport events were taking place, his seemingly effortless bardic style bringing them to life. 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 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. Heres a quote that probably needs a translation for a non-Scottish audience: He hoists his breeks, does a little shammy shammy. I think hes muttering a few naughty Hawick words. McLaren studied in Aberdeen and taught PE until 1987, coaching three players who went on to star for Scotland: Jim Renwick, Colin Deans and Tony Stanger. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. 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 capped for England 57 times between 1985 and 1993. 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. 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Ive already described Doddie Weir in the previous quote. The late great, Bill McLaren was simply the world's best rugby commentator ever. McLaren would have chuckled at that notion, but the love of rugby in Wales was something he always . Oct 20 Celebrate what would have been Bill's 100th year with fantastic company & storytelling from @JiffyRugby & @MrAndrewCotter, plus special guests! *That one was a bit inebriated just like one of my golf shots (description of a missed goal kick). Watch this colourful video. 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 . *I was there (at Twickenham) in 1938 when Scotland won 28-16. #WALvENG75: We won't even try and break down this Steve - Facebook Thanks v much Jasen, keep them coming. Three ofthe five died. Is climate change killing Australian wine? Eddies mother, Margaret (nee Asplen), was a Londoner and later the couple ran a guesthouse in Raglan, Monmouthshire. I dont care! 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. The Quinnell name is famous in Welsh rugby. Meads grew up on a sheep farm and raised his own family on a farm. It was just that Bill, given the choice of two television monitors, liked to hunch over the one closer to him. Post a comment. John Beattie | 16:53 UK time, Tuesday, 19 January 2010. Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in, Please refresh your browser to be logged in, Classic phrases from commentator Bill McLaren, Up to 30% off + free delivery with Nike promo codes for members, 20% off selected orders with this Footasylum discount code, 20% off your order - New Balance discount code, Extra 15% selected orders 80+ with this Go Outdoors discount code, 20% off everything with this Sweaty Betty discount code, Compare broadband packages side by side to find the best deal for you, Compare cheap broadband deals from providers with fastest speed in your area, All you need to know about fibre broadband, Best Apple iPhone Deals in the UK April 2023, Compare iPhone contract deals and get the best offer this April, Compare the best mobile phone deals from the top networks and brands. This week we continue with Big Boys. He loved the characters in the game. But in that same year he contracted tuberculosis, and so began the second fight for his life. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. I think it might be easier to tackle a snooker table than Lomu. Hes not a man you could hide in a lineout! That teammate was winger Gerald Davies. Craig Quinnell was a giant (and I mean giant) lock. Bill survived. Eddie Butler became the voice of Welsh rugby and a contributor to the Guardian and Observer. BILL McLaren will be remembered simply as the voice of rugby. Bill McLarens spirit lives on here in this blog and in The Bill McLaren Foundation. Heres another interesting fact about Finlay. We won't even try and break down this Steve Fenwick try for you: nobody could do it better than the inimitable Bill McLaren . I think the jink is dying in modern rugby certainly the Welsh are trying to keep it alive lets hope its never lost. All rights reserved. 329 pages, Hardcover First published October 1, 2004 Book details & editions Loading interface. Until his retirement in 2002, he was known as 'the voice of rugby'. But taking centre stage will be the recreation of Bill's study. This refers to Finlay Calder, who won 34 caps for Scotland between 1986 and 1991. Hence the description of the run-away giraffe. There was no audio, but you didnt need to speak Scots to lip-read that he was saying something that rhymed with rucking hell. And what about Stradey? Its like trying to tackle a snooker table. You can probably tell that McLaren wasnt too impressed with Browns kicking style! Among the personal highlights of his career were the commentary for Scotlands Grand Slam victory over England at Murrayfield in 1990. After that tour, he switched to playing league but then returned to union. Pity they couldnt get over for that second try. Fri 10th Feb @PrestonfieldHH Get your tickets today!! Invite us to tell stories in your school or club. 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. 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. Re carpet slippers hes right. But the twins never played on the same Scotland team! 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. However, this is nothing new. Bill McLaren's 'Best Bits' - Highlights from the Voice of Rugby HIS 50 years behind the microphone led to his reputation as "the voice of rugby". Read about our approach to external linking. 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. Despite his size, Doddie could be a dynamic player. Warren Gatland: has never forgiven Irish rugby after he was removed as Irish coach two decades ago. '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 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. He was particularly renowned for his place kicking which won plenty of games for his country. 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. He almost jumped to his left and right without changing speed. *Those props are as cunning as a bag o weasels. Bill McLaren - Wikipedia His voice came to represent rugby in the same way Murray Walkers did motor racing and Peter OSullevans horse racing. 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. [2] He coached several Hawick youngsters who went on to play for Scotland, including Jim Renwick, Colin Deans and Tony Stanger. Eddie Butler (rugby union) - Wikipedia One of his grandfathers was a brickie in the steelworks in Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire. Here is McLaren watching a lock forward making a break up the field. (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. Eddie went to Monmouth school, on the border of England and Wales, an institution reluctant to select players for Wales school sides. 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". He had a unique way to take an interest in every international player and making you feel so important when he bumped into you. Bill believed in sportsmanship shaking hands, thanking the ref, respect, fun and, of course, competition. They both go up like two pieces of white bread in a pop-up toaster. Watch: The teenage Welsh rugby players scoring monster kicks - Nation.Cymru The Voice Of Rugby by Bill McLaren | Goodreads There is another more coarse use of the term laying bricks which could also apply at the sight of Lomu charging towards you. Former Wales captain Gwyn Jones, 37, said McLaren was famous for dispensing Hawick balls Scottish butter mint sweets to everyone he met. [9], In later life, McLaren contracted Alzheimer's; he had been renowned for his excellent memory.[10]. Its similar to a coo kicking over a milk pail. [2] Renowned throughout the sport, his enthusiasm and memorable turn of phrase endeared him to many.[3]. Matt Williams: Warren Gatland factor makes Wales a real threat to 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. He was so effective that he displaced Will Carling from the test team. Derek Quinnell played for Wales but this quote refers to two of his sons. 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. 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. Brown was a forward who took the place kicks. A banner was also held up by one of the Cardiff crowd proclaiming: "Bill McLaren is Welsh". There wont be the same amusing phrases, the vivid descriptions of players and locations from the contemporary commentators.
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