Bill McLaren

[indi]

The best sports commentator of all has died.

 

A genuine legend, who unlike almost every other sports commentator, actually made the games he commentated on more enjoyable, rather than less. I'm glad I got to hear him and I'll always remember how staggeringly unbiased he was, "Some ill-mannered booing from the Scottish crowd there." during a Calcutta Cup match being one that always sticks in my head. If only the rest were half as good as he was.

 

Bill McLaren, the 'voice of rugby', dies aged 86

 

 

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".

 

'Loyal friend'

 

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."

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/south_of_scotland/8468319.stm

[GM]

God bless the man. An utter legend and a true gentleman.

 

http://i.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01374/bill-mclaren_1374007c.jpg

 

A good man who lived a good life. Rest In Peace.

[Pilko]

 

RIP.

[Tooj]

 

Class commentator. They'll be pouring a Pimms on the street corners of Jesmond in mourning tonight.

[Greg]

Loved his commentary on Jonah Lomu Rugby on the old Playstation.

 

"Oh! Mercy me! What a tackle! That could've put him in Ward 4!"

 

"I hope not Bill, that's a maternity ward!"

 

RIP.

[colinmk]

Yeah a truly excellent commentator. He was the best actually now I think about it.

[Magpie]

Very sad to hear this today. Vividly remember his voice when watching the 6 sorry 5 Nations as a youngster. RIP.

[Rob W]

personally I though they kept him on far too long.

 

He was a product of the amateur years and never sounded comfortable after about 1990

 

I think he'd almost reached the Eddie Waring stage by the end - a self referential joke

 

And anyone who says he wasn't biased  wears a kilt

[Guest gggg]

Loved his commentary on Jonah Lomu Rugby on the old Playstation.

 

Great game.

 

"He's digging like a demented mole"

 

"It's high enough, it's long enough and it's straight enough"

 

"Bunce"

 

"He's all arms and legs, he's like a mad octopus when he goes in there"

[Incognito]

Legend,tv rugby hasn't been the same since he retired.

 

RIP.