By 1980 Butler had won his first cap in the defeat of France in Cardiff. One of his grandfathers was a brickie in the steelworks in Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire. However, there was a time when he lined up a kick as McLaren was commentating on a Scottish test. Calder also captained the Lions on tour to Australia in 1989. Dont forget, firstly, theres lots of rugby stories (scroll down the right hand side to see rugby in the categories) and secondly, there are 4 separate posts containing Bills Quotes. 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. Tell us your story. Welsh Premiership expansion limited to 13 clubs after Llanelli exit 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. (modern), Bill McLaren in 2002, the year of his retirement Photograph: Huw John / Rex Features. The big Blackpool policeman standing like a lighthouse at the back of the lineout. William Pollock McLaren CBE (16 October 1923 - 19 January 2010) was a Scottish rugby union commentator, teacher, journalist and one time rugby player. Over the following five decades he became one of the most recognisable and favoured voices on radio and television. The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. He merely points out that the two brothers were well-fed! Ex-Welsh great JPR Williams called McLaren an incredibly fair commentator despite his obvious love for the Scottish team. He famously ran down the field and barged through giant Springbok prop Os Du Randt. The legendary fullback was capped 61 times between 1986 and 1995. Ive still got the fictional reports I used to write when I was a wee boy of seven or eight. 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. 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 . Running (can anyone tell us who Bill was referring to here? New on @Playing_Pasts today A DRAGON AMONGST 'LIONS'! Calder was an openside flanker who was known for his abrasive play. Eddie went to Monmouth school, on the border of England and Wales, an institution reluctant to select players for Wales school sides. 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. [1] Renowned throughout the sport, his enthusiasm and memorable turn of phrase endeared him to many. There wont be the same amusing phrases, the vivid descriptions of players and locations from the contemporary commentators. William Pollock McLaren CBE (16 October 1923 - 19 January 2010) was a Scottish rugby union commentator, teacher, journalist and one time rugby player. This week Ollie Campbell (Ireland & Lions fly half) told me that just the mention of Bill McLarens name brings great memories gushing back. At the East Fortune sanatorium inEast Lothian, he was selected as one offive patients to take part in trials for anew antibiotic, streptomycin. The BBC also wheeled Butler out when big, multi-sport events were taking place, his seemingly effortless bardic style bringing them to life. Lets just say that like all the best props, Ubugo had a substantial posterior. *Tweet, tweet, tweet commentary on Scottish full-back Peter Dods strange run up to a penalty kick. Ive already described Doddie Weir in the previous quote. This weekend, like any other when the Six Nations Championship is being held, he will watch the matches from television at his home. 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]. Later this year the foundation will host a major exhibition to celebrate the centenary of Bill's birth on 16 October 1923. A banner was also held up by one of the Cardiff crowd proclaiming: "Bill McLaren is Welsh". This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. You got {{SCORE_CORRECT}} out of {{SCORE_TOTAL}}, Five Greatest English Flankers Of All Time, Lock Forwards In Rugby League (Number 13). He declined the third to South Africa on principled objections to Apartheid. In this case, McLaren is referring to the entire Springbok pack. #TheVoiceOfRugby #BillMcLaren #JonathanDavies #AndrewCotter 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. Craig in particular used to laugh to himself as opposition crowds (usually English) yelled down to him that he was fat. *The All Blacks that day looked like great prophets of doom. 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. Here is McLarens view of the diminutive winger: Despite Battys stature, he was known for being hard as nails. This is what McLaren had to say about Phil Bennett, the great Welsh flyhalf. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. Following his death in 2010, the Bill McLaren Foundation (BMF) was formed by former friends and colleagues in his hometown of Hawick. Having memorised the names, he then liked to watch the players in training, listening to them. If youre not familiar with Celtic culture theres a notion that if you catch a tiny magical creature, it will grant you a wish. It was said that Bill McLaren, whohas died aged 86, was the voice ofrugby. Nice one Richard I heard a commentator, this weekend (15/2/15), actually try to use Bills exquisite expression. We showed earlier that McLaren had a ready quip about him and his brother. But McLaren was clearly of the opinion that the lock was well-nourished! 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. Keep up to date with the latest stories with our WalesOnline newsletter. They had two daughters, Linda and Janie. I think hes muttering a few naughty Hawick words. You can use our stories in a structured programme. Here is McLaren watching a kicker for Hawick Harlequins who is furious with himself for missing a penalty kick. The beloved commentator sadly passed away in 2010 but his legacy will live on forever. 329 pages, Hardcover First published October 1, 2004 Book details & editions Loading interface. Bill Mclaren: Flower of Scotland - YouTube Orwhen some of his former pupils, suchas Jim Renwick, Colin Deans orTony Stanger, scored for Scotland. News, views and all the moves in the world of Rugby Union, On Phil Bennett:They say down at Stradey that if ever you catch him [Phil Bennett] you get to make a wish., On Jonah Lomu:Im no hod carrier but I would be laying bricks if he [Jonah L] was running at me., On Grant Batty:He plays like a runaway bullet., On Gerald Davies:His sidestep was marvellous like a shaft of lightning., Its high enough, its long enough AND ITS STRAIGHT ENOUGH.. They both go up like two pieces of white bread in a pop-up toaster. 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. "It was full of books, newspaper cuttings, magazines and videos - there were three piles of videos from floor to ceiling. You may also know him as a top blazer in World Rugby. Its similar to a coo kicking over a milk pail. The Bill McLaren Foundation on Twitter Butler became a published author in 2014. *Im no hod carrier but Id be laying bricks if he was running at me (description of Jonah Lomu). We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. He moved out to the wing a few years later, where he played for his country through much of the 1970s. Pity they couldnt get over for that second try. Over the. Barry John, yes, maybe. His unique descriptions and authoritive voice added so much excitement, intrigue and enthral. Bill McLaren, a gentleman with passion and a rare gift for description. He loved the characters in the game. "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. The Quinnell name is famous in Welsh rugby. 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. Dinner plates cant clasp a ball. 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. 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. The All Blacks that day looked like great prophets of doom. But taking centre stage will be the recreation of Bill's study. Here is McLaren on one of the greatest players in the history of the sport: I look at Colin Meads and see a great big sheep farmer who carried the ball in his hands as though it was an orange pip. On the very few occasions that he got the ball without a defender in sight, he would charge up the field with knees lifted high. 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. [9], In later life, McLaren contracted Alzheimer's; he had been renowned for his excellent memory.[10]. [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. He went on the first two of those tours. 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. 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. This week we continue with Big Boys. He had a unique way to take an interest in every international player and making you feel so important when he bumped into you. 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Hes up there with great commentators like John Arlott [cricket], Henry Longhurst [golf], Dan Maskell [tennis] and Peter Alliss [golf].. You'll see why. McLaren was married to Bette, with whom he had two daughters Linda (born 1952) and Janie (born 1954, died 2000). Here is McLaren watching a lock forward making a break up the field. 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. #WALvENG75: We won't even try and break down this Steve - Facebook 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. Craig Quinnell was a giant (and I mean giant) lock. Bill McLaren's 'chaotic' study to be recreated - BBC News Sadly, McLaren, known as 'the voice of rugby' for his brilliant BBC commentaries, had died earlier in the . On Victor Ubogus behind England v South Africa. And what about Stradey? Im a little unsure on how to unpack this quote. His voice was unmistakable to generations of rugby fans, who grew up listening to a man whose knowledge and enthusiasm were equalled only by his impartiality. Bill McLaren died on 19 January 2010 at the age of 86 in his home town of Hawick. Something went wrong, please try again later. Despite his size, Doddie could be a dynamic player. A recreation of the office will act as a centrepiece of an exhibition to celebrate Bill's centenary. When Bill McLaren helped Scotland enjoy the sweetest of victories *Would ye like a Hawick ball, son ? *I look at Colin Meads and see a great big sheep farmer who carried the ball in his hands as though it was an orange pip. 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. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Regarding He could sidestep 3 men in a telephone box would this be a welsh wizard, Barry John? This quote aptly describes most days when I watch the All Blacks take on my national team. Colin Meads was capped 55 times for the All Blacks from 1957 to 1971. He was known for sidestepping opponents to leave them floundering in his wake. Bill McLaren was the best rugby commentator of all time and one of the best men the world has ever seen. 20 of the best quotes from the 'Voice of Rugby' Bill McLaren When Bill McLaren helped Scotland enjoy the sweetest of victories Historian Murray Watson said he had spent two years going through 30,000 different items from the room. He was the player who won 16 caps for Wales and captained his country on six occasions before retiring from international rugby union aged 27. 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. See more. Renwick sent the ball sailing wide. William Pollock Bill McLaren, CBE (16 October 1923 19 January 2010) was a Scottish rugby union commentator, teacher, journalist and one time rugby player. *I was there (at Twickenham) in 1938 when Scotland won 28-16. 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.. He was known as 'The Voice Of Rugby'. McLaren would have chuckled at that notion, but the love of rugby in Wales was something he always . Heres a list of great McLaren quotes without any commentary. From next spring, the Bill McLaren 100 exhibition will share Hawick Museum with a display charting Hawick Rugby Club's 150 years. He loved the characters in the game. Butler took over from McLaren as the BBCs senior commentator in 2002. Matt Williams. He was so effective that he displaced Will Carling from the test team. Aidan Smith's Saturday Interview: Welsh wizard John Taylor on one of Eddie Butler: Former Wales rugby captain and legendary broadcaster dies I reckon thats why there are so many metatarsal injuries since many boots particularly football boots are so thin they offer no protection whatsoever. Which brings us to the next quote. It hurt him just before his retirement in 2002 that he was once denied access to an Australian training session. The 58-year-old, who works as a commentator for S4C, said: He was wonderful to me in the sense that I was on the bench for Gareth all that time, but he made me feel just as important as if Id been playing. He saw no evil and spoke no evil. Ryan simply had too much for Canadian Houle as her precision and power saw her control . 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. Here is McLaren on two sturdy brothers who were giants of Welsh rugby in more ways than one. About Bill McLaren: Scottish rugby union player (1923 - 2010 He was awarded his MBE in 1992, an OBE in 1995 and a CBE in the 2003 honours list. 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. 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. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Known as 'the voice of rugby', he retired from commentating in 2002. This refers to Wade Dooley who was a policeman who walked the beat in the seaside town of Blackpool. Oct 20 Celebrate what would have been Bill's 100th year with fantastic company & storytelling from @JiffyRugby & @MrAndrewCotter, plus special guests! ), 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.. This refers to the rather large and burly Doddie Weir, an outstanding Scottish lock. The late Graeme Moody was a widely respected radio rugby commentator for 35 years. 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. 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. Here is McLaren watching a flanker dropping the ball. Warren Gatland: has never forgiven Irish rugby after he was removed as Irish coach two decades ago. [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. 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He was particularly renowned for his place kicking which won plenty of games for his country. Thousands pay tribute to McLaren - ESPN All rights reserved. In other words, the first part refers to Hasting pulling up his shorts. (c) Find someone who loves rugbyand send this link as a surprise gift (birthday, Christmas or any time just because you love them). He would shuffle a deck and flash through the cards, matching a player with a number. Something went wrong, please try again later.
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