bill mclaren on welsh rugby

The BBC also wheeled Butler out when big, multi-sport events were taking place, his seemingly effortless bardic style bringing them to life. Eddie Butler was a rarity in top-class sport. Ryan simply had too much for Canadian Houle as her precision and power saw her control . Three of the others died but I made what amounted to a miracle recovery.. 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. Now think of those gangly steps when under the influence of a particular illegal substance! Sadly, McLaren, known as 'the voice of rugby' for his brilliant BBC commentaries, had died earlier in the . 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. [9], In later life, McLaren contracted Alzheimer's; he had been renowned for his excellent memory.[10]. Loading interface. 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. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. 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. Bill Beaumont played in the second row for England 34 times between 1975 and 1982. But this quote always comes back to me when a tall and ungainly youngster breaks free. See more. He declined the third to South Africa on principled objections to Apartheid. He merely points out that the two brothers were well-fed! This is the greatest Wales rugby team of all time and these are the From next spring, the Bill McLaren 100 exhibition will share Hawick Museum with a display charting Hawick Rugby Club's 150 years. In 1947 he was back in Hawick and playing in a Scottish trial. [7]. Here is where I disagree with the great commentator. This is how it sounds when McLaren says cow. At the East Fortune sanatorium inEast Lothian, he was selected as one offive patients to take part in trials for anew antibiotic, streptomycin. I think the jink is dying in modern rugby certainly the Welsh are trying to keep it alive lets hope its never lost. Did this woman die because her genitals were cut? And what about Stradey? He loved it when he got abuse from the terraces. He merely points out that the two brothers were well-fed! Barry John, yes, maybe. Known as 'the voice of rugby', he retired from commentating in 2002. We showed earlier that McLaren had a ready quip about him and his brother. Bill McLaren's career behind the microphone began with BBC radio in 1953. The son of a knitwear salesman, during the second world war Bill found himself in Italy, a second lieutenant in the Royal Artillery. Stradey is a location in the middle of the town of Llanelli. But McLaren was clearly of the opinion that the lock was well-nourished! Bill McClaren Rugby at its Greatest - YouTube Bill believed passionately in sportsmanship. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. Tell a coach or teacher. Following his death in 2010, the Bill McLaren Foundation (BMF) was formed by former friends and colleagues in his hometown of Hawick. [1] Renowned throughout the sport, his enthusiasm and memorable turn of phrase endeared him to many. I reckon thats why there are so many metatarsal injuries since many boots particularly football boots are so thin they offer no protection whatsoever. Here is McLaren watching a young Beaumont packing down: And theres Beaumont in that English scrum looking like a man who enjoys his food. 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]. So I think the wall is the correct interpretation. "Give me a wee tug on the sleeve, son, if you want to come in." Bennett had also played against New Zealand for the Barbarians in 1973. All rights reserved. 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. I dont know which big man won the ball. With reference to Moss Keane prime Irish beef? Renowned throughout the sport, his enthusiasm and memorable turn of phrase endeared him to many. Anyone on or off Facebook. *Im no hod carrier but Id be laying bricks if he was running at me (description of Jonah Lomu). His sidestep was marvelous, like a shaft of lightning. Let's see if you can match the quote to the player or coach! It was said that Bill McLaren, whohas died aged 86, was the voice ofrugby. Eddie Butler: Former Wales rugby captain and legendary broadcaster dies 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. The big Blackpool policeman standing like a lighthouse at the back of the lineout. 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. 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. 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. In 2000 Bill and Bette lost their daughter Janie to cancer. Craig Quinnell was a giant (and I mean giant) lock. Geoghegan was one of the best wingers of his generation but had to retire early due to a foot injury. Bill McLaren - Scotland On Air For a year short of a full half-century, first on radio and from 1962 on BBC television, Bill's voice washed over rugby union, soothing and harmonious. He was also very fast. If youre not familiar with Celtic culture theres a notion that if you catch a tiny magical creature, it will grant you a wish. 1953 was his first appearance on national radio and he went on . Rugby greats pay tribute to Bill McLaren, who died yesterday *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. 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. 138KG of prime South African beef referring to the Springboks heaviest player ever, Flippie van der Merwe. Dinner plates cant clasp a ball. The Quinnell name is famous in Welsh rugby. Bill McLaren - Wikipedia 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. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. 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. Which brings us to the next quote. 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The Bill McLaren Foundation on Twitter Comments. He was capped 15 times for the All Blacks between 1972 and 1977. Something went wrong, please try again later. Many of his quips and quotes live on in the fond memories of rugby supporters. Warren Gatland: has never forgiven Irish rugby after he was removed as Irish coach two decades ago. On Victor Ubogus behind England v South Africa. In this case, the kicker is Peter Brown, who played 27 times for Scotland between 1964 and 73. The beloved commentator sadly passed away in 2010 but his legacy will live on forever. 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. New on @Playing_Pasts today A DRAGON AMONGST 'LIONS'! It doesnt have to be someone who actually heard Bill. 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. In other words, the first part refers to Hasting pulling up his shorts. 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. 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. He played in the second row and captained New Zealand eleven times. They are different. Renwick was also a placekicker, although not the usual first-choice kicker for his country. Bill McLaren gathered thousands of items relating to the game during his years as a commentator, Bill McLaren was considered by many to be the "voice of rugby" during his long commentating career. Regarding He could sidestep 3 men in a telephone box would this be a welsh wizard, Barry John? Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Tell a friend. 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.. William Pollock "Bill" McLaren, CBE (16 October 1923 - 19 January 2010) was a Scottish rugby union commentator, teacher, journalist and one time rugby player. This refers to the rather large and burly Doddie Weir, an outstanding Scottish lock. Derek Quinnell played for Wales but this quote refers to two of his sons. He loved the characters in the game. 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. Watch this colourful video. Among those to speak were McLaren's grandson Rory Lawson who competed for Scotland in the Calcutta Cup two days later. John Beattie | 16:53 UK time, Tuesday, 19 January 2010. McLaren passed away at the age of 86 in 2010. You may also know him as a top blazer in World Rugby. It is not being overly melancholic to say that the Six Nations Championship has never seemed quite the same since McLaren retired. William Pollock McLaren CBE (16 October 1923 - 19 January 2010) was a Scottish rugby union commentator, teacher, journalist and one time rugby player. 21K views, 416 likes, 40 loves, 28 comments, 44 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from The Welsh Rugby Union: #WALvENG75: . Historian Murray Watson said he had spent two years going through 30,000 different items from the room. [2] In 1953, he made his national debut for BBC Radio, covering Scotland's 120 loss to Wales. The event combined show reels of some of McLaren's most famous moments and some of McLaren's favourite music including a specially recorded performance of Caledonia by Dougie MacLean and a performance by Ronnie Browne of The Corries. Butler became a published author in 2014. 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. Not just a Scottish rugby legend, Bill McLaren is widely regarded as one of the greatest sports broadcasters of all time. Bill McLaren's 'Best Bits' - Highlights from the Voice of Rugby Here is McLaren watching two locks leaping to take the ball in a lineout. *The All Blacks that day looked like great prophets of doom. Breeks are breeches. Start your Independent Premium subscription today. "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. 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. From his first marriage, to Jennifer Jones, Butler had three children, Rebecca, Hannah and Jack. Welsh Premiership expansion limited to 13 clubs after Llanelli exit Here is McLaren on a tall lock from the amateur era who also happened to be a copper. No matter what it was you couldnt wait to hear what he had to say whenever he said that! Butler took over from McLaren as the BBCs senior commentator in 2002. It was there that Bill became music. He was a very special person., Welsh Rugby Union group chief executive Roger Lewis said: When he retired from the game he was missed in the manner that many of the greatest players in Welsh rugby history have been, which is some accolade in itself, before you consider he was a Scotsman.. 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. As fiercely passionate a Scot as you could wish to meet, McLaren never let nationality cloud his judgement. Photograph: David Rogers/Getty Images. Keep up to date with the latest stories with our WalesOnline newsletter. Stradey Park was the home ground for Llanelli RFC. The study of the "voice of rugby" was where match-day preparations took place during his 50-year career. BBC Rewind pays tribute to legendary commentator Bill McLaren who became known as "the voice of rugby". This refers to Springbok Mark Andrews and Scotlands Doddie Weir competing for the ball in the lineout. The Bill McLaren Foundation, a charity which exists to develop and promote rugby union and sporting opportunities, was launched at Murrayfield Stadium on 4 March 2010. Bill McLaren - Wikipedia The proud scot also liked to use Scottish phrasing which sometimes needs interpretation for the rest of us. Most Scotsmen would have been dejected, but he didnt show it.. William Henry Thomas, the forgotten Welsh Hero of 1888 by @Wil94831317Bill April 23 2023 marks 135 years . These included Murray Walker (motor racing/Formula One), Peter O'Sullevan (horse racing), Harry Carpenter (boxing and rowing), Dan Maskell (tennis), David Coleman (athletics), Peter Alliss (golf) and John Arlott (cricket). [5], McLaren studied Physical Education in Aberdeen, and went on to teach PE in different schools throughout Scotland right through to 1987. He toured with the Lions in 1977 to South Africa. Something went wrong, please try again later. Ive put the quote in the Scottish section because of the burn reference. But in that same year he contracted tuberculosis, and so began the second fight for his life. He found the vitriol among supporters and the media in Wales over the top for then amateur sportsmen. 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. About Bill McLaren: Scottish rugby union player (1923 - 2010 Hes like Bambi on speed. What a description of one of Irelands greatest wingers. 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. 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. add Bill McLaren to 'my astro' Biography Scottish rugby union commentator, teacher, journalist and one time rugby union player. 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. Renowned throughout the sport, his enthusiasm and memorable turn of phra 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. Here is McLaren watching a lock forward making a break up the field. From giant winger to tiny wingerGrant Batty was only 55. His career included winning the 1995 World Cup. Meads grew up on a sheep farm and raised his own family on a farm. Please do pass the word on so many more people can enjoy the spirit of the late great Bill McLaren. [11] His funeral took place on 25 January at Teviot Church in Hawick, followed by a private burial at the town's Wellogate Cemetery after his hearse was applauded through the town of Hawick by hundreds of well-wishers who lined the streets to pay their respects to the "Voice of Rugby". Bill Mclaren Quotes Part 3 about Runners (& jinkers); Passing; Kicking and Lineout Jumping (15 x Quotes), Bill Mclaren Quotes Part 4 Line-Out jumping (continued), Weather Conditions, Classic Mclaren, Looking Back (15 x Quotes). Geoghegan was one of my favorite players in the early nineties, and I think McLaren describes him fairly well! Keep up to date with the latest stories with our WalesOnline newsletter. Bill McLaren | Military Wiki | Fandom He went on the first two of those tours. Rugby lost its true voice on Tuesday when much-loved and respected Scottish commentator Bill McLaren passed away at the age of 86. Eddie Butler became the voice of Welsh rugby and a contributor to the Guardian and Observer. This week Ollie Campbell (Ireland & Lions fly half) told me that just the mention of Bill McLarens name brings great memories gushing back. 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. 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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. If you want to know more about who hes talking about and what he actually means, read through the later sections of this article. Bill survived. His running action could look a little ungainly. He was known as 'The Voice Of Rugby'. [2] He spent 19 months in a sanatorium in East Fortune in East Lothian, where he was given the experimental antibiotic streptomycin, which saved his life;[2] of the five patients given the drug, only two survived. Watch: The teenage Welsh rugby players scoring monster kicks - Nation.Cymru The beloved commentator sadly passed away in 2010 but his legacy will live . Windsor said: The biggest fear with him was when he finishes how do we replace him? Renowned throughout the sport, his enthusiasm and a memorable turn of phrase endeared him to all rugby fans. *Hes like a raging bull with a bad head. The great man from Hawick thrilled both radio and television listeners for almost half a century as a national broadcaster before retiring back in 2002. 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. When he hits you, you think the roof has just fallen in. Phil Bennet was a renowned Welsh flyhalf from the 1970s. There is another more coarse use of the term laying bricks which could also apply at the sight of Lomu charging towards you. Boyce, 65, said: I cant think of anyone in rugby football who was more loved and more respected than Bill McLaren. The Bill McLaren Voice of Rugby Dinner 2023 - Facebook Share our stories. His nickname was Car Crash for his effect on the opposition ball carrier! When he was discharged, he supplemented his work as a PE teacher with rugby reports for the Hawick Express, and was recommended from there to the BBC, joining the corporation in 1953. [15], McLaren has continued to be honoured for his legacy in Hawick and in the sport of rugby. 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. Here is McLaren on two sturdy brothers who were giants of Welsh rugby in more ways than one. Definitely one of the Welsh greats from that era think Id go for Gareth Edwards, Gerald Davies or the phenomenal Phil Bennett. 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. He was known as The Voice Of Rugby. New Zealand radio . [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. A tribute to Bill McLaren | PlanetRugby : PlanetRugby There wont be the same amusing phrases, the vivid descriptions of players and locations from the contemporary commentators. Victor Ubogo who was capped for England 24 times between 1992 and 1999. The camera chose to focus on his rear at this moment. Scott played at centre and was bigger than most players at that level. 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]. If there was violence, itwas never anything more than "brief shenanigans", and nobody ever kicked a ball badly, but merely made it look abit like one of Bill's own "scruffy nineirons". This is what McLaren had to say about Phil Bennett, the great Welsh flyhalf. His nickname was Pine Tree. He decided to leave well alone, since it seemed to improve his grip on his clubs. England was leading with minutes to go, and Gibbs took a pass from his teammate and cut back inside to get over the line.

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