(This usually doesnt end up well for the catcher!). He decided to leave well alone, since it seemed to improve his grip on his clubs. 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. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. 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. Craig in particular used to laugh to himself as opposition crowds (usually English) yelled down to him that he was fat. They had two daughters, Linda and Janie. His first commentary was made while recovering from TB, describing table tennis matches for the hospital radio. When he hits you, you think the roof has just fallen in. Winger Simon Geoghegan who was capped 37 times for Ireland between 1991 and 1996. 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. In his early union career, he toured with the British and Irish Lions to New Zealand aged only 22. He was known as 'The Voice Of Rugby'. The couple famously used to play 18 holes of golf together every day. He found the vitriol among supporters and the media in Wales over the top for then amateur sportsmen. They both go up like two pieces of white bread in a pop-up toaster. He was awarded an MBE in 1992, an OBE in 1995 and a CBE in the 2003 honours list. From next spring, the Bill McLaren 100 exhibition will share Hawick Museum with a display charting Hawick Rugby Club's 150 years. Jones, who also now works as a commentator, said: He defined rugby for generations with his commentary and he was such a hard working man because the preparation he put in set the standard for everyone who followed him.. [2] He coached several Hawick youngsters who went on to play for Scotland, including Jim Renwick, Colin Deans and Tony Stanger. Matt Williams. He became more famous once his playing days were over for his work as a broadcaster, journalist and novelist. So I think the wall is the correct interpretation. England was leading with minutes to go, and Gibbs took a pass from his teammate and cut back inside to get over the line. He would offer us that curled hand in a two-finger shake and a bag of Hawick balls, round brown sweets boiled in peppermint oil. The late great, Bill McLaren was simply the world's best rugby commentator ever. The legendary fullback was capped 61 times between 1986 and 1995. Scotland always won. Gerald Davies was capped for Wales as a centre in 1966. Hes not a man you could hide in a lineout! *Theyll be simply chuffed to bits down at. Despite his size, Doddie could be a dynamic player. 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Ive already described Doddie Weir in the previous quote. Historians in Hawick are working through thousands of books, videos and clippings in a bid to recreate Bill McLaren's "chaotic" research room. *Would ye like a Hawick ball, son ? 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. The proud scot also liked to use Scottish phrasing which sometimes needs interpretation for the rest of us. 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. Murray added: "Bill was like the Wikipedia of rugby, long before there was Wikipedia. (modern). 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. 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.. Its like trying to tackle a snooker table. You may also know him as a top blazer in World Rugby. 329 pages, Hardcover First published October 1, 2004 Book details & editions Loading interface. Which brings us to the next quote. This is unusual (Australias John Eales is the only other one I can think of). Among those to speak were McLaren's grandson Rory Lawson who competed for Scotland in the Calcutta Cup two days later. However, there was a time when he lined up a kick as McLaren was commentating on a Scottish test. The Welsh golden age ofthe 1970s would not have been so gilded without the soundtrack of Bill to the exploits ofGareth Edwards. Derek Quinnell played for Wales but this quote refers to two of his sons. In the Cambridge team, Butler brought a physical edge to a pack coached by the former Scotland international Ian Robertson, who was also to become a well-known rugby voice on the BBC. The All Blacks that day looked like great prophets of doom. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. add Bill McLaren to 'my astro' Biography Scottish rugby union commentator, teacher, journalist and one time rugby union player. This refers to Finlay Calder, who won 34 caps for Scotland between 1986 and 1991. The Quinnell name is famous in Welsh rugby. Dooley towered over the opposition at 68. Ive put the quote in the Scottish section because of the burn reference. Having memorised the names, he then liked to watch the players in training, listening to them. His nickname was Car Crash for his effect on the opposition ball carrier! Bill believed in sportsmanship shaking hands, thanking the ref, respect, fun and, of course, competition. 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. There was also an internet campaign last year to give McLaren, from Hawick in the Scottish Borders, a knighthood for his work. Anyone else know for sure who Bill was referring to when he said He could sidestep 3 men in a telephone box ? Butler, who played 16 times for Wales and was called up as a replacement for the Lions in New Zealand in 1983, was a tireless charity fundraiser. Here is McLaren on a tall lock from the amateur era who also happened to be a copper. Fri Feb 3 2023 - 10:29. Butler later became a published author. Bill McLarens spirit lives on here in this blog and in The Bill McLaren Foundation. Bill McLaren was a legendary commentator on rugby matches. 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As always you can unsubscribe at any time. 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. Here is McLaren watching a young Beaumont packing down: And theres Beaumont in that English scrum looking like a man who enjoys his food. Perhaps Gibbs most famous try for his country was the one that secured a Grand Slam against England in 1999. Rugby for orchestra and full voice, and nobody made a sound quite like Bill McLaren. I worked with him for a decade, one ofhis many "second voices". Thanks v much Jasen, keep them coming. But McLaren was never a coarse man! Bill McLaren's career behind the microphone began with BBC radio in 1953. Calder also captained the Lions on tour to Australia in 1989. About the author Bill McLaren 11 books2 followers Tell a coach or teacher. 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. Ryan simply had too much for Canadian Houle as her precision and power saw her control . "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. We were honoured when Bills daughter, Linda, wrote a beautiful piece for last weeks post. His running action could look a little ungainly. He was also very fast. Something went wrong, please try again later. William Pollock Bill McLaren, CBE (16 October 1923 19 January 2010) was a Scottish rugby union commentator, teacher, journalist and one time rugby player. After that tour, he switched to playing league but then returned to union. New on @Playing_Pasts today A DRAGON AMONGST 'LIONS'! *The All Blacks that day looked like great prophets of doom. Heres a quote that probably needs a translation for a non-Scottish audience: He hoists his breeks, does a little shammy shammy. Breeks are breeches. BBC Rewind pays tribute to legendary commentator Bill McLaren who became known as "the voice of rugby". Then two through Janie: former Edinburgh and Scotland 7s player Jim Thompson and other son Alex. [2] He would later play for Hawick RFC. Not just a Scottish rugby legend, Bill McLaren is widely regarded as one of the greatest sports broadcasters of all time. But commanding the most space in the Wilton Park museum will be Bill's vast archive of rugby memorabilia and reports. He did so, rushed back to the hospital, but she had died that afternoon while he was on air. 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[3] Early life [ edit] 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. 20 of the best quotes from the Voice of Rugby Bill McLaren, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Newcastle Falcons Kingston Park Stadium Guide, Northampton Saints Franklins Gardens Stadium Guide, LIST | Four more Saracens players could exit at the end of the season, Social media pays tribute to Harlequins legend Chris Robshaw after final home game, Nine things you should NEVER say to a female rugby fan, WATCH: Lengthy ban for vicious tackle on female referee, 15 reasons why children SHOULD play Rugby Union, Giant Wales Prop Gets Trapped In Childrens Playground Seat, Terrible refereeing Stuart Barnes lays into Karl Dickson after controversial red card, Fans find out Lawrence Dallaglios real name in new documentary, REPORTS | Argentina fly-half closes in on Premiership switch, Eight great reasons why you SHOULD let your daughter play rugby, Complete Workhorse Jack Willis Breaks Defensive Record in Heineken Champions Cup, Under 25 Caps Wales Breakout Star To Miss Rugby World Cup As He Plays in England, Thanks for that Jack Nowell exits interview after audacious question, Wales name former England prop in their Rugby World Cup training squad, Final Confirmed: Leinster and La Rochelle to Meet in Champions Cup Deja Vu, 16th Player Red Roses Stars Celebrate Record Womens Rugby Crowd At Grand Slam Triumph, Culture Round WATCH: Super Rugby Sides Celebrate Heritage With Hakas. From giant winger to tiny wingerGrant Batty was only 55. Here is McLaren watching a lock forward making a break up the field. Pity they couldnt get over for that second try. This refers to Jim Renwick, a Scottish center who was capped 52 times for Scotland (from 1972 to 84). 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. BILL McLaren will be remembered simply as the voice of rugby. He was known as 'The Voice Of Rugby'. Colin Meads was capped 55 times for the All Blacks from 1957 to 1971. William Henry Thomas, the forgotten Welsh Hero of 1888 by @Wil94831317Bill April 23 2023 marks 135 years . Renowned throughout the sport, his enthusiasm and memorable turn of phrase endeared him to many. All rights reserved. Watch this colourful video. [2], McLaren's journalistic career started as a junior reporter with the Hawick Express. #TheVoiceOfRugby #BillMcLaren #JonathanDavies #AndrewCotter McLaren, from Hawick in the Borders, was known as the "voice of rugby" and died . 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. But McLaren was delighted and provided his listening audience with helpful commentary as to what was going on. Eddies mother, Margaret (nee Asplen), was a Londoner and later the couple ran a guesthouse in Raglan, Monmouthshire. I think the jink is dying in modern rugby certainly the Welsh are trying to keep it alive lets hope its never lost. 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. I dont know which big man won the ball. Monmouth, though, knew they had a real talent long before their pupil went to Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, to read French and Spanish (1976-79). The experience would later colour Butlers journalism in print particularly he was sympathetic to the players plying their rough trade. Bill McLaren was the best rugby commentator of all time and one of the best men the world has ever seen. Former Wales hooker Bobby Windsor called him nothing but a gentleman of the game and said he was the voice of rugby. Born in Hawick, in the Scottish Borders, in 1923, McLaren started out as a player and made the Hawick first XV prior to the Second World War, during which he served with the Royal Artillery. The physio came on with spare shorts. Its similar to a coo kicking over a milk pail. Scott played at centre and was bigger than most players at that level. 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. Definitely one of the Welsh greats from that era think Id go for Gareth Edwards, Gerald Davies or the phenomenal Phil Bennett. 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 . Re carpet slippers hes right. He was particularly renowned for his place kicking which won plenty of games for his country. After their divorce, he married Susan Roberts, with whom he had a further three children, Jacob, Nell and Seth. The beloved commentator sadly passed away in 2010 but his legacy will live on forever. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. HIS 50 years behind the microphone led to his reputation as the voice of rugby. 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.
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