McLaren passed away at the age of 86 in 2010. Bennett had also played against New Zealand for the Barbarians in 1973. 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. 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. 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. 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. The beloved commentator sadly passed away in 2010 but his legacy will live on forever. Here is McLaren watching a lock forward making a break up the field. 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. Derek Quinnell played for Wales but this quote refers to two of his sons. [2], McLaren's journalistic career started as a junior reporter with the Hawick Express. You can use our stories in a structured programme. He toured with the Lions in 1977 to South Africa. Over the following five decades he became one of the most recognisable and favoured voices on radio and television. 329 pages, Hardcover First published October 1, 2004 Book details & editions Loading interface. Here is where I disagree with the great commentator. Until his retirement in 2002, he was known as 'the voice of rugby'. Nice one Richard I heard a commentator, this weekend (15/2/15), actually try to use Bills exquisite expression. How well will you do? Murray added: "Bill was like the Wikipedia of rugby, long before there was Wikipedia. However, this is nothing new. [5], McLaren studied Physical Education in Aberdeen, and went on to teach PE in different schools throughout Scotland right through to 1987. Former Welsh scrum-half Brynmor Williams said though he often found himself playing second fiddle to Gareth Edwards, Mclaren made him feel like an integral part of the Welsh set-up in the 1970s. If you want to know more about who hes talking about and what he actually means, read through the later sections of this article. The late great, Bill McLaren was simply the world's best rugby commentator ever. McLaren, from Hawick in the Borders, was known as the "voice of rugby" and died . This refers to Springbok Mark Andrews and Scotlands Doddie Weir competing for the ball in the lineout. Bill McLaren was the best rugby commentator of all time and one of the best men the world has ever seen. And I dont think you ever will replace a fellow like that because he was just unique in the way he spoke and commentated on games.. Thanks v much Jasen, keep them coming. There is another more coarse use of the term laying bricks which could also apply at the sight of Lomu charging towards you. Phil Bennet was a renowned Welsh flyhalf from the 1970s. 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. 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]. He became more famous once his playing days were over for his work as a broadcaster, journalist and novelist. "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. 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. But this quote always comes back to me when a tall and ungainly youngster breaks free. Something went wrong, please try again later. 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. Youll find some lists of McLaren quotes that dont clarify who hes talking about. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies. Ruck.co.uk: the leading rugby union news and content network delivering you the latest news, views and all the moves in Rugby Union. But in that same year he contracted tuberculosis, and so began the second fight for his life. 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. [2] Renowned throughout the sport, his enthusiasm and memorable turn of phrase endeared him to many.[3]. Bill McClaren Rugby at its Greatest - YouTube He hit opposition players and rucks with equal aggression. add Bill McLaren to 'my astro' Biography Scottish rugby union commentator, teacher, journalist and one time rugby union player. But McLaren was clearly of the opinion that the lock was well-nourished! In November 2001, McLaren became the first non-international to be inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame. 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. In 2000 Bill and Bette lost their daughter Janie to cancer. William Henry Thomas, the forgotten Welsh Hero of 1888 by @Wil94831317Bill April 23 2023 marks 135 years . Share our stories. Rugby World Cup: Rugby's all-time greatest TV commentator revealed He loved the characters in the game. *Im no hod carrier but Id be laying bricks if he was running at me (description of Jonah Lomu). Start your Independent Premium subscription today. Sometimes you had to tug away for a wee while. The quote comes from McLaren watching Hastings preparation before a place kick. He famously ran down the field and barged through giant Springbok prop Os Du Randt. 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