At least the table doesnt bend and lean forward to crash through you. New on @Playing_Pasts today A DRAGON AMONGST 'LIONS'! His unique descriptions and authoritive voice added so much excitement, intrigue and enthral. In 1947 he was back in Hawick and playing in a Scottish trial. That teammate was Scott Quinnell. Brown also captained Scotland ten times, including three victories over England. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Bennett had also played against New Zealand for the Barbarians in 1973. Post a comment. Classic phrases from commentator Bill McLaren - The Independent A recreation of the office will act as a centrepiece of an exhibition to celebrate Bill's centenary. 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. 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. Early life and rugby career. Which brings us to the next quote. He loved the characters in the game. 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. Butler was born on 8 May 1957. Tell a coach or teacher. From next spring, the Bill McLaren 100 exhibition will share Hawick Museum with a display charting Hawick Rugby Club's 150 years. 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. The late great, Bill McLaren was simply the world's best rugby commentator ever. This refers to Scottish fullback Gavin Hastings. At the East Fortune sanatorium inEast Lothian, he was selected as one offive patients to take part in trials for anew antibiotic, streptomycin. Heres another interesting fact about Finlay. The Late Great Bill McLaren did! This refers to Finlay Calder, who won 34 caps for Scotland between 1986 and 1991. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies. In other words, the first part refers to Hasting pulling up his shorts. With one of his daughters, Nell, he was raising money for prostate cancer on the hike to Machu Picchu. 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. And what about Stradey? Perhaps Gibbs most famous try for his country was the one that secured a Grand Slam against England in 1999. The one-time captain of Wales was the natural heir of the voice of rugby, Bill McLaren, with whom he shared the BBC commentary box in his early days as a broadcaster. McLaren died on 19 January 2010 at the age of 86 in his home town of Hawick. After retirement, McLaren wrote the book Rugby's Great Heroes and Entertainers in 2003. Im no hod-carrier but I would be laying bricks if he was running at me. 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. Start your Independent Premium subscription today. He was renowned for his jerky sidestep that he executed at high speed. Calder also captained the Lions on tour to Australia in 1989. No one will ever evoke the spirit of Rugby like Bill. Become an ambassador (looks good on your CV). McLaren was married to Bette, with whom he had two daughters Linda (born 1952) and Janie (born 1954, died 2000). Ex-Welsh great JPR Williams called McLaren an incredibly fair commentator despite his obvious love for the Scottish team. See more. He was awarded an MBE in 1992, an OBE in 1995 and a CBE in the 2003 honours list. "Give me a wee tug on the sleeve, son, if you want to come in." The legendary fullback was capped 61 times between 1986 and 1995. 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. I suppose somebody had to be alongside him, to offer the odd jarring note, but once the game and Bill were in full flow, they were best left to themselves. 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 . 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With the cameras trained on his face, the Scotsman yelled out his frustration. Hes like Bambi on speed. What a description of one of Irelands greatest wingers. 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. He stood 66 and carried a huge frame. 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. [3] Early life [ edit] Eddie Butler obituary | Rugby union | The Guardian Butler became a published author in 2014. Sandy Ryan captured the vacant WBO welterweight title as she secured a wide points win over Marie Pier Houle. Most Scotsmen would have been dejected, but he didnt show it.. This week we continue with Big Boys. His charging runs may be what Maclaren is referring to in the quote. But commanding the most space in the Wilton Park museum will be Bill's vast archive of rugby memorabilia and reports. Definitely one of the Welsh greats from that era think Id go for Gareth Edwards, Gerald Davies or the phenomenal Phil Bennett. Meanwhile, scroll down to choose a story categorised by a country or a sport. Renwick was also a placekicker, although not the usual first-choice kicker for his country. *Tweet, tweet, tweet commentary on Scottish full-back Peter Dods strange run up to a penalty kick. 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. Phil Bennet was a renowned Welsh flyhalf from the 1970s. Mark Andrews played 77 tests at lock for South Africa from 1994 to 2002. It was just that Bill, given the choice of two television monitors, liked to hunch over the one closer to him. 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. BBC Rewind pays tribute to legendary commentator Bill McLaren who became known as "the voice of rugby". Renowned throughout the sport, his enthusiasm and a memorable turn of phrase endeared him to all rugby fans. He decided to leave well alone, since it seemed to improve his grip on his clubs. This is unusual (Australias John Eales is the only other one I can think of). 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. 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. Perhaps it was the . Stradey is a location in the middle of the town of Llanelli. Something went wrong, please try again later. The BBC also wheeled Butler out when big, multi-sport events were taking place, his seemingly effortless bardic style bringing them to life. When they get going, its like watching cattle stampede, huge fellows who thunder about the paddock like mad rhinos. The switch to television came six years later. We were honoured when Bills daughter, Linda, wrote a beautiful piece for last weeks post. Eddie Butler was a rarity in top-class sport. I think McLaren is saying that hed quickly lay bricks to build a wall as a defense. The late great, Bill McLaren was simply the world's best rugby commentator ever. Rugby for orchestra and full voice, and nobody made a sound quite like Bill McLaren. 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. Loading interface. The image would haunt him for the rest of his days. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. William Pollock McLaren CBE (16 October 1923 - 19 January 2010) was a Scottish rugby union commentator, teacher, journalist and one time rugby player. 138KG of prime South African beef referring to the Springboks heaviest player ever, Flippie van der Merwe. William Henry Thomas, the forgotten Welsh Hero of 1888 by @Wil94831317Bill April 23 2023 marks 135 years . In November 2001, McLaren became the first non-international to be inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame. 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.. Who would even think, let alone say, something like this on live TV? They had two daughters, Linda and Janie. It hurt him just before his retirement in 2002 that he was once denied access to an Australian training session. 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. The legendary commentator, who retired in 2002 after almost 50 years as a broadcaster, died in hospital yesterday morning, aged 86. Bill McLaren - Scotland On Air 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. All rights reserved. *Hes like a raging bull with a bad head. You may also know him as a top blazer in World Rugby. Not just a Scottish rugby legend, Bill McLaren is widely regarded as one of the greatest sports broadcasters of all time. 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. But the twins never played on the same Scotland team! Pontypool played on a public park, but were making a name for themselves in Welsh rugby, often not in a good way. Former Wales captain Gwyn Jones, 37, said McLaren was famous for dispensing Hawick balls Scottish butter mint sweets to everyone he met. A banner was also held up by one of the Cardiff crowd proclaiming: "Bill McLaren is Welsh". I reckon thats why there are so many metatarsal injuries since many boots particularly football boots are so thin they offer no protection whatsoever. The couple famously used to play 18 holes of golf together every day. "For the exhibition we will put everything back to where it was left.". I thought the telephone box line was about Robert Jones. Hence the description of the run-away giraffe. Many of his quips and quotes live on in the fond memories of rugby supporters. 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. Here is McLaren watching a flanker dropping the ball. 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 disease nearly killed him and forced him to give up playing. *And its a try by Hika the hooker from Ngongotaha (Wales v New Zealand 1980). 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. Bill McLaren obituary BBC sports commentator and 'the voice of rugby union' for nearly 50 years Bill McLaren in 2002, the year of his retirement Photograph: Huw John / Rex Features Eddie. Ruck.co.uk: the leading rugby union news and content network delivering you the latest news, views and all the moves in Rugby Union. It doesnt have to be someone who actually heard Bill. From his first marriage, to Jennifer Jones, Butler had three children, Rebecca, Hannah and Jack. In the summer break the teenager was introduced to the Pontypool club, a more villagey, earthy Valleys side than the traditional east Wales big clubs, Cardiff and Newport. He served with the Royal Artillery in Italy during the Second World War,[2] including the Battle of Monte Cassino. *Im no hod carrier but Id be laying bricks if he was running at me (description of Jonah Lomu). That feared Welsh team of the seventies won three Grand Slams, with Davies tearing up the wing in each of them. 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. Susan and his children survive him. 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. The Voice Of Rugby by Bill McLaren | Goodreads Here is McLaren watching a kicker for Hawick Harlequins who is furious with himself for missing a penalty kick. But taking centre stage will be the recreation of Bill's study. Three of the others died but I made what amounted to a miracle recovery.. Siege Gun a gem. Oct 20 Celebrate what would have been Bill's 100th year with fantastic company & storytelling from @JiffyRugby & @MrAndrewCotter, plus special guests! Breeks are breeches. But in that same year he contracted tuberculosis, and so began the second fight for his life. Monmouth, though, knew they had a real talent long before their pupil went to Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, to read French and Spanish (1976-79). Eddie Butler: The remarkable life of the 'voice of rugby' His sidestep was marvelous, like a shaft of lightning. It was nothing personal. 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. We showed earlier that McLaren had a ready quip about him and his brother. Fri Feb 3 2023 - 10:29. Eddie Butler became the voice of Welsh rugby and a contributor to the Guardian and Observer. William Pollock Bill McLaren, CBE (16 October 1923 19 January 2010) was a Scottish rugby union commentator, teacher, journalist and one time rugby player. He was capped 61 times from 1990 to 2000. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. Photograph: David Rogers/Getty Images. @Rich am not sure could be Jones, or @Brendan could be Phil Bennet or Gerald Davies who could also jink. He was renowned for his turns of phrase. Here is McLaren watching two locks leaping to take the ball in a lineout. See less. Thanks v much Jasen, keep them coming. Eddie Butler (rugby union) - Wikipedia He hit opposition players and rucks with equal aggression. 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. Born in Newport, south-east Wales, Butler was a first-generation public schoolboy and a first generation Welshman. Murray Watson is going through Bill's vast archive ahead of this autumn's exhibition. 1953 was his first appearance on national radio and he went on . But McLaren was delighted and provided his listening audience with helpful commentary as to what was going on. I think it might be easier to tackle a snooker table than Lomu. The experience would later colour Butlers journalism in print particularly he was sympathetic to the players plying their rough trade. Bill McLaren, who died on January 19 aged 86, was to millions of sports fans "the voice of rugby", bringing wit, erudition and style to hundreds of commentaries on BBC radio and television in a. 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. Bill Mclaren would never be so uncouth. Ive still got the fictional reports I used to write when I was a wee boy of seven or eight. 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. Known as 'the voice of rugby', he retired from commentating in 2002. When Bill McLaren helped Scotland enjoy the sweetest of victories [2] Renowned throughout the sport, his enthusiasm and memorable turn of phrase endeared him to many. I worked with him for a decade, one ofhis many "second voices". When Bill McLaren helped Scotland enjoy the sweetest of victories 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 particularly offended by a piece in the Western Mail, a paper with little love for Pontypool, comparing him unfavourably with the French captain Jean-Pierre Rives, the warrior flanker with his blood-stained shirt. A tribute to Bill McLaren | PlanetRugby : PlanetRugby In this case, the kicker is Peter Brown, who played 27 times for Scotland between 1964 and 73. The son of a knitwear salesman, during the second world war Bill found himself in Italy, a second lieutenant in the Royal Artillery. One day, drawn by the smell ofdecay to a village cemetery, he rounded a corner and was confronted by a mound of 1,500 corpses. A hod carrier is someone who works on a building site and carries a pile of bricks on something that looks like a shovel. He played in the second row and captained New Zealand eleven times. Scott played at centre and was bigger than most players at that level. He went on the first two of those tours. Known as 'the voice of rugby', he retired from commentating in 2002. Winger Simon Geoghegan who was capped 37 times for Ireland between 1991 and 1996. There was an incident in a match where Ubogos shorts were ripped down the side. [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. 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. The Bill McLaren Foundation on Twitter 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. Lets just say that like all the best props, Ubugo had a substantial posterior. Renowned throughout the sport, his enthusiasm and memorable turn of phrase endeared him to many. HIS 50 years behind the microphone led to his reputation as the voice of rugby. Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? The big Blackpool policeman standing like a lighthouse at the back of the lineout. Ive put the quote in the Scottish section because of the burn reference. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title.