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Thread: Bill McLaren, the 'voice of rugby', has died aged 86

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    Champion Contributor Em-Forcer's Avatar
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    Bill McLaren, the 'voice of rugby', has died aged 86

    From http://news.bbc.co.uk

    Commentator Bill McLaren, known popularly as the "voice of rugby", has died at the age of 86.

    Mr McLaren, from Hawick, retired in 2002 and was appointed OBE, CBE and MBE for services to the sport.
    He began commentating on BBC radio in 1953 and moved on to television six years later.
    He went on to earn the respect of players, fans and spectators by being the best-researched commentator rugby had ever seen.
    He died at 1030 GMT in the community hospital in Hawick in the Scottish Borders.


    Former Scotland rugby captain Gavin Hastings, who worked with him, said: "First and foremost, Bill was a very proud and passionate Scot but such was his professionalism that you would never really have known that.
    "He always remained very unbiased in his commentary and I think that that was unquestionably one of his endearing qualities.
    "He was a wonderful commentator and he just brought the world of rugby into so many people's homes."


    Former England captain Bill Beaumont also recognised the importance of McLaren's contribution to the sport.
    "Bill McLaren is synonymous with what is good about the game," he said.
    "Every player respected Bill, they respected his judgement.
    "To sit alongside him you just admired the professionalism and homework that he put into his commentaries and also his passion for the game."


    Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond said: "The world of sport and broadcasting has lost a true legend with the passing of Bill McLaren.
    "He thoroughly deserved the title "voice of rugby" and was a fantastic ambassador for Scotland and his native Hawick right around the world."


    BBC Scotland Director Ken MacQuarrie described McLaren as one of the "true broadcasting greats".
    He said: "A tremendously modest man, Bill was the ultimate professional who always went out of his way to help the many colleagues who worked alongside him over the years.
    "He also worked tirelessly to support youngsters keen to learn more about the game he loved, especially in his home town.
    "To those who knew him closest though, Bill was known as a wonderfully loyal friend and a devoted family man and our thoughts are with them at this time."


    Hawick Rugby Club secretary John Thorburn also joined the tributes to their former player and loyal supporter.
    He said: "We're devastated, obviously - we've got a room named after him at the rugby club.
    "It was very close to his heart, Hawick Rugby Club.
    "He's a huge loss to rugby worldwide."

    Link to article - click here.

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    Burgs's Avatar
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    Sad to hear it, part of the fabric of the code.

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    Veteran beige's Avatar
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    That's sad - I still love his "digging like demented moles" description of a ruck...

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    Champion welshrugbyfan's Avatar
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    Very sad to hear. He's like the Richie Benaud of Rugby for you aussies.

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    Player OzFUB's Avatar
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    Very sad indeed. I grew up listening to him commentating the Welsh golden years.

    Most memorable line would have to be "...a bit of argy bargy"

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    Veteran Contributor JediKnight's Avatar
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    That's really sad news. The quality of commentating on Heavenly rugby has just improved significantly.

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    Champion KenyaQuin's Avatar
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    T'is truely sad news. His is a name that stirs fond memories of good old rugby..of rucking, mauling, sideburns, the big sidesteps and ofcourse the garryowens (well, no one could say it like Bill).

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    Legend Contributor brokendown gunfighter's Avatar
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    top commentator,unbiased & gave a vivid description of the game

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    Champion welshrugbyfan's Avatar
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    Bloody legend of the game.


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    he was one of my favourite commentators of all time,his voice was unmistakeable and I enjoyed getting up in the wee hours of the morning to listen to him commentate the AB's games on the radio when I was a young boy.

    A lot of commentators these days are crap

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    Veteran Contributor The EnForcer's Avatar
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    An absolute legend. Very sad.

    He used to hand a boiled sweety to each of the Scottish players before a game to wish them luck.

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    Just happy to be here

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    Legend Contributor slomo's Avatar
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    very sad news...... One of my favourite quotes from him, and he used it in almost every game...... "its an up and under"....
    Posted via Mobile Device

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    Legend Contributor blueandblack's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by brokendown gunfighter View Post
    top commentator,unbiased & gave a vivid description of the game
    His name doesnt ring a bell with me but judging by that video I totally agree with your words. Just the play and no fluff. Exactly what I want in a commentator.

    RIP

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    Veteran Sheikh's Avatar
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    Grew up listening to Bill McLaren commentating on the 6-Nations. Absolutely peerless.

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