Butler became, more specifically, the voice of Welsh rugby, his mellow tones from those chilly, winter afternoons high in TV gantries and press boxes warming the listener, while his printed words on the game equally delighted readers of the Observer and Guardian. Tell us your story. Craig in particular used to laugh to himself as opposition crowds (usually English) yelled down to him that he was fat. You may also know him as a top blazer in World Rugby. This refers to Springbok Mark Andrews and Scotlands Doddie Weir competing for the ball in the lineout. He moved out to the wing a few years later, where he played for his country through much of the 1970s. The Bill McLaren Voice of Rugby Dinner 2023 - Facebook They both go up like two pieces of white bread in a pop-up toaster. There was no audio, but you didnt need to speak Scots to lip-read that he was saying something that rhymed with rucking hell. It simply did not matter. There must have been something inside me that wanted to describe rugby football to people, he once said. McLaren died on 19 January 2010 at the age of 86 in his home town of Hawick. Bill McLaren - Scotland On Air He almost jumped to his left and right without changing speed. All rights reserved. However, Gibbs was also renowned as a hard-tackling machine. Thousands pay tribute to McLaren - ESPN Murray added: "Bill was like the Wikipedia of rugby, long before there was Wikipedia. This week Ollie Campbell (Ireland & Lions fly half) told me that just the mention of Bill McLarens name brings great memories gushing back. 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. He became more famous once his playing days were over for his work as a broadcaster, journalist and novelist. The legendary commentator, who retired in 2002 after almost 50 years as a broadcaster, died in hospital yesterday morning, aged 86. Pontypool played on a public park, but were making a name for themselves in Welsh rugby, often not in a good way. HIS 50 years behind the microphone led to his reputation as "the voice of rugby". 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. He was awarded an MBE in 1992, an OBE in 1995 and a CBE in the 2003 honours list. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Here is McLarens view of the diminutive winger: Despite Battys stature, he was known for being hard as nails. And what about Stradey? Murray Watson is going through Bill's vast archive ahead of this autumn's exhibition. But taking centre stage will be the recreation of Bill's study. But this quote always comes back to me when a tall and ungainly youngster breaks free. He was selected for the British and Irish Lions in 1967, 1971, and 1974. The quote comes from McLaren watching Hastings preparation before a place kick. McLaren passed away at the age of 86 in 2010. When his body never his voice began to show signs of age and the second finger of his right hand curled down permanently into his palm, he was told that a simple operation might restore it to the vertical. During his final commentary, Wales v Scotland in 2002, the crowd sang "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow"[8] and one Welsh supporter displayed a banner claiming "Bill McLaren is Welsh". When Bill McLaren helped Scotland enjoy the sweetest of victories *He plays like a runaway bullet (description of New Zealand wing Grant Batty). *Theyll be simply chuffed to bits down at. Former Wales hooker Bobby Windsor called him nothing but a gentleman of the game and said he was the voice of rugby. Become an ambassador (looks good on your CV). From next spring, the Bill McLaren 100 exhibition will share Hawick Museum with a display charting Hawick Rugby Club's 150 years. Here is McLaren watching a lock forward making a break up the field. He had some tests along the way, especially when his son-in-law, the scrum-half Alan Lawson, or later his grandson in the same position, Rory Lawson, were playing for Scotland. Susan and his children survive him. 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]. 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 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. Calder was an openside flanker who was known for his abrasive play. 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 . 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. The one-time captain of Wales was the natural heir of the "voice of rugby", Bill. Born in Newport, south-east Wales, Butler was a first-generation public schoolboy and a first generation Welshman. Colin Meads was capped 55 times for the All Blacks from 1957 to 1971. Monmouth, though, knew they had a real talent long before their pupil went to Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, to read French and Spanish (1976-79). Sidestep in a phonebox was referring to Robert Jones (Welsh scrum half). Bill's preparation was meticulous and involved a lot of card-play. Eddie Butler (rugby union) - Wikipedia Hence, the runaway bullet description. Former Wales captain Gwyn Jones, 37, said McLaren was famous for dispensing Hawick balls Scottish butter mint sweets to everyone he met. Who would even think, let alone say, something like this on live TV? The suggestion was that Waless leader was not passionate enough. But despite an internet campaign last year, he was never knighted. I think McLaren is saying that hed quickly lay bricks to build a wall as a defense. In November 2001, McLaren 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. He famously ran down the field and barged through giant Springbok prop Os Du Randt. (This usually doesnt end up well for the catcher!). [1] Renowned throughout the sport, his enthusiasm and memorable turn of phrase endeared him to many. The beloved commentator sadly passed away in 2010 but his legacy will live . William Pollock McLaren CBE (16 October 1923 19 January 2010) was a Scottish rugby union commentator, teacher, journalist and one time rugby player. Bill McClaren Rugby at its Greatest - YouTube Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Gerald Davies was capped for Wales as a centre in 1966. 2023 BBC. He was known as 'The Voice Of Rugby'. His nickname was Pine Tree. Well, no dancing in the streets of Hawick tonight but Scotland were unlucky to lose by a 14 pt margin. Winger Simon Geoghegan who was capped 37 times for Ireland between 1991 and 1996. Bill Mclaren: Flower of Scotland - YouTube 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. There is another more coarse use of the term laying bricks which could also apply at the sight of Lomu charging towards you. The Late Great Bill McLaren did! As fiercely passionate a Scot as you could wish to meet, McLaren never let nationality cloud his judgement. add Bill McLaren to 'my astro' Biography Scottish rugby union commentator, teacher, journalist and one time rugby union player. The BBC also wheeled Butler out when big, multi-sport events were taking place, his seemingly effortless bardic style bringing them to life. Throughout his distinguished career he earned . Geoghegan was one of my favorite players in the early nineties, and I think McLaren describes him fairly well! 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. 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. 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. But McLaren was clearly of the opinion that the lock was well-nourished! Keep up to date with the latest stories with our WalesOnline newsletter. The late great, Bill McLaren was simply the worlds best rugby commentator ever. 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 watching a kicker for Hawick Harlequins who is furious with himself for missing a penalty kick. 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. McLaren was named among the inaugural members of the Scottish Rugby Hall of Fame in 2010 and inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame during Rugby World Cup 2015.[16][17][18]. 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. [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. *Im no hod carrier but Id be laying bricks if he was running at me (description of Jonah Lomu). He would shuffle a deck and flash through the cards, matching a player with a number. We inspire a new generation with amazing, true, two minute stories about sportsmanship. *I was there (at Twickenham) in 1938 when Scotland won 28-16. #TheVoiceOfRugby #BillMcLaren #JonathanDavies #AndrewCotter Here are seven quotes. However, he said it was fair to describe the room as "chaotic" and added: "It was an absolute tip. 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. Its like trying to tackle a snooker table. Renowned throughout the sport, his enthusiasm and a memorable turn of phrase endeared him to all rugby fans. Television now rules the rugby broadcaster, but there are still some superb radio commentators. This week we continue with Big Boys. [15], McLaren has continued to be honoured for his legacy in Hawick and in the sport of rugby. Among the personal highlights of his career were the commentary for Scotlands Grand Slam victory over England at Murrayfield in 1990. Bill McLaren Rugby Quotes (With Explanations) - Rugby Dome 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. Butler, who has died in his sleep at the age of 65 during a walking expedition for charity in Peru, was universally admired in the worlds of rugby and journalism. Perhaps it was the . The study of the "voice of rugby" was where match-day preparations took place during his 50-year career. In this title, Bill McLaren talks poignantly about his entire life, focusing on his 50 years as chief rugby commentator for the BBC. *Would ye like a Hawick ball, son ? We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. He loved the characters in the game. The image would haunt him for the rest of his days. That teammate was winger Gerald Davies. He was also very fast. We searched and searched for images of the player and came up with a few grainy, jerky frames that stood in stark contrast to Bill's sharp recollections. I worked with him for a decade, one ofhis many "second voices". I dont know which big man won the ball. As well as being awarded an MBE, OBE and CBE, Bill became the first non-international player to be inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame. 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. 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. 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. Not just a Scottish rugby legend, Bill McLaren is widely regarded as one of the greatest sports broadcasters of all time. The legendary fullback was capped 61 times between 1986 and 1995. He was tough and willing. Thanks v much Jasen, keep them coming. [5], McLaren studied Physical Education in Aberdeen, and went on to teach PE in different schools throughout Scotland right through to 1987. William Pollock McLaren CBE (16 October 1923 - 19 January 2010) was a Scottish rugby union commentator, teacher, journalist and one time rugby player. Butler later became a published author. Hes not a man you could hide in a lineout! That feared Welsh team of the seventies won three Grand Slams, with Davies tearing up the wing in each of them. 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. Three of the others died but I made what amounted to a miracle recovery.. In 2000 Bill and Bette lost their daughter Janie to cancer. 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. Then two through Janie: former Edinburgh and Scotland 7s player Jim Thompson and other son Alex. The late Graeme Moody was a widely respected radio rugby commentator for 35 years. McLaren would have chuckled at that notion, but the love of rugby in Wales was something he always . Professional rugby has not always been kind to the romantics. 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. 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 first commentary was made while recovering from TB, describing table tennis matches for the hospital radio. ), 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.. Meads grew up on a sheep farm and raised his own family on a farm. (modern), Bill McLaren in 2002, the year of his retirement Photograph: Huw John / Rex Features. New Zealand radio . Rugby for orchestra and full voice, and nobody made a sound quite like Bill McLaren. 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. His club was the Hawick Harlequins, Hawick being a town in Scotland. By 1980 Butler had won his first cap in the defeat of France in Cardiff. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. *Hes like a raging bull with a bad head. Murray, who is a volunteer with the BMF, said: "Bill was enormously thorough in his preparations with his commentaries and for his writing - and he did all of his research in a time long before Google.". This article gives you the quotes., who hes referring to, and an explanation. Eddies mother, Margaret (nee Asplen), was a Londoner and later the couple ran a guesthouse in Raglan, Monmouthshire. Here is McLarens summary: Im sure youre familiar with Bambi, the baby deer with gangly legs. It hurt him just before his retirement in 2002 that he was once denied access to an Australian training session. Phill Bennetts club was Llanelli (part of which would morph into the Scarlets in the professional era). 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. But in that same year he contracted tuberculosis, and so began the second fight for his life. Rugby World Cup: Rugby's all-time greatest TV commentator revealed Ive still got the fictional reports I used to write when I was a wee boy of seven or eight. Here is McLaren on a tall lock from the amateur era who also happened to be a copper. "We have around 10,000 items of fan mail and we could only find one that had a complaint.". [12][13][14], On 11 March 2010, thousands of people attended a memorial celebration of Bill McLaren's life held at Murrayfield Stadium in the week leading up to that year's Calcutta Cup match which was played at the stadium. 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. His spirit lives on here in this blog and in The Bill McLaren Foundation. Heres a comment about a different placekicker. He hit opposition players and rucks with equal aggression. The place-kicking routines of some modern fly halves may seem to be increasingly odd and elaborate. 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. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. They were coached by the fierce disciplinarian Ray Prosser, but Eddie the varsity youth, with his cultured tones and inevitable nickname Bamber, after the University Challenge presenter, fitted in with Pontypools ethos. 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. Heres a list of great McLaren quotes without any commentary. Matt Williams: Warren Gatland factor makes Wales a real threat to 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. Something went wrong, please try again later. Perhaps Gibbs most famous try for his country was the one that secured a Grand Slam against England in 1999. This is how it sounds when McLaren says cow. You got {{SCORE_CORRECT}} out of {{SCORE_TOTAL}}, Five Greatest English Flankers Of All Time, Lock Forwards In Rugby League (Number 13). Boyce, 65, said: I cant think of anyone in rugby football who was more loved and more respected than Bill McLaren. 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While he convalesced, he began to commentate on table tennis for hospital radio. He decided to leave well alone, since it seemed to improve his grip on his clubs. 138KG of prime South African beef referring to the Springboks heaviest player ever, Flippie van der Merwe. He was capped 15 times for the All Blacks between 1972 and 1977. In his early union career, he toured with the British and Irish Lions to New Zealand aged only 22. However, when it comes to monster kicks, there can be only Welsh rugby player worthy of that giant-sized accolade. Farewell to Bill McLaren 'the voice of rugby' - Logo of the BBC Renowned throughout the sport, his enthusiasm and memorable turn of phra He became a columnist and journalist who was not. 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. Early life and rugby career. 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. 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. His voice came to represent rugby in the same way Murray Walkers did motor racing and Peter OSullevans horse racing. Rugby greats from past and present gathered at Murrayfield last night to remember veteran commentator Bill McLaren. "And he was loved for his knowledge as well as his humour. He merely points out that the two brothers were well-fed! We were honoured when Bills daughter, Linda, wrote a beautiful piece for last weeks post. During a career with the BBC which spanned almost 50 years, McLaren became the most famous and respected commentator in the game. He did so, rushed back to the hospital, but she had died that afternoon while he was on air. The 62 year old, who has become a well-known commentator since playing, said: I enjoyed having banter with him before every Wales Scotland match. 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. Following his death in 2010, the Bill McLaren Foundation (BMF) was formed by former friends and colleagues in his hometown of Hawick. But the twins never played on the same Scotland team! *Ive hardly ever had to pay to get in (the best thing in his view about 50 years of commentary at rugby matches). Here is McLaren on two sturdy brothers who were giants of Welsh rugby in more ways than one. [5][6], He played in a Scotland trial in 1947 and was on the verge of a full international cap before contracting tuberculosis. [2] Contents Early life 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.