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Thursday, 24 January, 2002, 13:46 GMT
Tributes to the 'voice of rugby'
The BBC's Bill McLaren announces plans to retire after more than 50 years commentating on rugby union.
Send your tributes to one of the greats of the game.
A talented flanker, McLaren was on the verge of playing for Scotland before serious illness cut his career short. Forced to end his playing days, he soon found another outlet for his passion making his radio debut in 1952, at a match between old rivals Glasgow and Edinburgh. For more than 50 years rugby fans around the world have tuned in to hear Bill's accurate analysis. The 79-year-old will retire after this season's Six Nations championship. He will commentate on the Melrose Sevens for BBC Scotland on Saturday 13 April, before putting down his microphone for the last time. E-mail us your McLaren magic moments.
I am only 34 years old and have taken an interest in rugby since I was six. For me, Bill is the voice of rugby and it will be worse off now that he has retired. I am looking forward to the Six Nations, not only for the rugby but also the fact that it will be the last time I will be able to hear his voice describing the finest game around.
Thank you for all you have given me.
He Has probably done more for the game than anyone since the ball was picked up. In addition to his fame behind the microphone, Bill also inspired countless schoolboys to develop a love of the game in Hawick. He knew us all and made everyone feel special even if you were playing at 'extra centre' in one of the 20-a-side games. Enjoy the retirement 'Sir'.
Thanks Bill - not only for the countless hours of pleasure you have given thousands of rugby fans all over the world, but personal thanks too for your guidance and inspiration which kick started my journalistic career some 38 years ago.
We have shared the press box at Mansfield Park and other border rugby grounds in years gone by and your voice and presence will be sadly missed. Enjoy your retirement and keep swinging on your beloved Vertish Hill golf course.
Bill, many thanks for the hours of brilliant words to describe the most passionate game in the world. The elegant way you describe the action has been a joy to listen to and watch. The BBC and rugby will find it hard to replace the wit, charm, steadying influence and good manners you have displayed on this or any other sport.
The legacy has to be that you have set the standard for all future commentators. If people do not know where Hawick is, they can never say that they have not heard of it. Happy retirement and thank you.
Bill is the greatest, there will never be another like him. When I heard he was hanging up his mic I actually cried, rugby will never be the same.
Can someone let the Queen and Tony Blair know that the "voice of rugby" is retiring and that a knighthood at least would be in order to repay this great man for his services to rugby worldwide?
As a former rugby-playing Scot now living in the US (but who still follows the game religiously) I can honestly say that one of my fondest memories of the "old country" was listening on a Saturday afternoon to the golden tones of Bill McLaren as he would impart his unique insight and understanding of the greatest game on earth to lesser mortals such as I.
His inimitable style and the sheer quality of the man made him stand out as one of the greatest commentators in the world of sports.
He was as much my hero as was Andy Irvine, Gordon Brown, Gavin Hastings, or any of the other "greats" of Scottish rugby. The game of rugby without the voice of Bill McLaren will be like listening to "Flower of Scotland" being played on a tin whistle.
Anywhere rugby is played will be a sadder place without the unique 'voice of rugby'. God bless you Bill, have a long and very happy retirement.
What a pity that Chris Garrod of England had to sully this series of tributes to the great man with his nonsense about Welsh and near-Welsh commentators. Incidentally, what does near-Welsh mean? Is it someone from Shropshire? Grow up Chris, and try to be half the man that Bill is.
Having grown up in Ireland to the "magic" created by Bill's commentary at any international fixture, it was always a childhood dream to have him mention my name playing in international rugby.
It almost happened. However, like Bill, injury got in the way! Thanks for wonderful memories! They shall be with me always.
Is their no way to persuade the great man to stay in front of the mic for the 2003 World Cup? His superb commentary makes even the dullest game worth listening to.
Truly irreplacable, what will the rugby world do without him? My earliest rugby memories are of watching games with my Dad and the voice of rugby. Bill has been part of the magic ever since, reflected in the high esteem he is held in internationally. The game will be poorer without his uniquely colourful commentaries. Hang up your mic, enjoy your retirement, I hope it's a very very long and very very happy one!
Bill McLaren is the voice of rugby, and one of the greatest names in the history of rugby. John Beattie (for once) is correct the man should be knighted for services to rugby. The BBC should nominate him for it.
I take huge pride as a Scot in the Great Man's achievements. It will be impossible to replace him. I was in New Zealand a couple of years ago. Almost everyone I spoke to, on hearing my accent, wanted to talk about Bill McLaren. It is hard to think of anyone who has contributed more to this great game.
Bill undoubtedly established the standard for rugby commentary - televised rugby will be the poorer for his retirement. Never again will a "bit of a brou-ha-ha" seem the same.
The line out will no longer be blessed with its "tail gunner" and Murrayfield will never again see "16 stones of Scottish prop on the hoof."
You have earned your retirement, Bill, but it will be long before you are forgotten.
"Thish could shpell disaster for rugby"!
Like Murray Walker and John Motson in their chosen sports, Bill McLaren is unique in his for being the truly outstanding commentator. There will never be another like him. From rugby fans around the world, Bill, have a long and very happy retirement.
It's as if someone has just turned the sound off - no one will ever compare. And I'm glad you'll be there are the Millennium Stadium - a fitting end to the greatest ever.
As a boy playing rugby in Edinburgh, I grew up with Bill's commentaries. They brought channelled emotion to the matches. I shall not be able to enjoy Scotland beating the Auld Enemy quite so much without Bill's tones in my ears.
The best commentator full stop - unrivalled by none and I'm sure envied by many. What the BBC will do now, God only knows. If there's a favourite quote, I almost lose track, but up there has to be "the referee'll need to be on his toes at this scrum, they get up to all sorts of shenanigans in there".
I'd never have started watching rugby if it wasn't for this man's commentary and dare I say it, much as I loved going to Murrayfield on the odd occasion, there was always the regret that the Voice wouldn't be there. Enjoy your much deserved retirement and please excuse my selfishness when I ask if you'd reconsider for another year! All the best.
For as long as I have been watching and playing rugby, Bill McLaren has been the epitome of what rugby is about. He loved a bit of rough stuff between the forwards (shenanigans, as he would refer to it) but was the first to add that they'd be having a beer together come the final whistle. He knew what rugby meant to those who loved it but was always conscious of the listeners who weren't aware of what went on in the 'dark covenant' of the front row and would paint vivid pictures of what was going on in there.
My abiding memory of his commentary has to be when one of the front five would break away with the ball in hand "It's great to see a 16st Watsonian forward, charging on". Not having a Robinson or O'Driscoll side step described as a shilly shally will take something special away from the game. A long and fruitful retirement is no less than you deserve and a heartfelt thank you from rugby fans world-wide.
In the way I look at who is playing on the pitch and am relieved to see certain players, the same applies for Bill's commentary, because you know how much more he brings to the game, just like a great player on the pitch. It has been an honour to listen to his words of wisdom, suck as " he's like a starving whippet". Take care Bill and have a great Burn's night.
It has been a privilege to have had the opportunity over my 30 years as a rugby fan to have listened on many occasions to Bill's unique blend of passion, knowledge, wit and sense of fair play. He has bonded so many people to a sport we love. Never have so many enjoyed the words of one so great.
It is appropriate at this time to hear of the upcoming retirement of one of Britain's most legendary sports voices - at the same time in America, Pat Summerall, one of the voices of the National Football League in America, will retire after a long, distinguished broadcasting career spanning over forty years.
It's interesting that not one, but two voices which made their sport so special for fans in both Britain and America will sign off at the end of their respective broadcasts. To you, Mr McLaren, I wish you all the best in retirement. Rugby in Britain won't be the same without you.
What can you say? A first-rate commentator and a true gent.
I hope the powers that be bear these qualities in mind when looking to appoint someone new. Politeness is NOT a disadvantage.
Never mind professionalism, wage disputes, TV rights etc. These small problems pale into insignificance with the problem of filling Mr Rugby's boots. Enjoy your well deserved retirement Bill in the knowledge of "A job well done, never to be bettered". Rugby will not seem the same without your dulcet tones. Hope you master the Vertish Hill. Thank You.
All the best in retirement to the man who explained the complicated rules of rugby football to "Jock Tamson's Bairns" and kept us up with the changes. He can bring the atmosphere of Murrayfield on match day into your living room. Thanks Bill
Bill,
Sad to hear you are retiring, we LOVE you here in Limerick, home of Irish rugby. My nine-year-old son loves your voice and gets all excited when you mention the "Garryowen" as he has just started playing rugby here in Limerick for his club, Garryowen. Thanks for the wonderful, wonderful memories Bill, and have a safe and happy retirement with your family.
Despite his open and natural love of the Scottish rugby team, Bill McLaren was able to put across to all viewers for all internationals his love of the game itself and his appreciation of good play and sportsmanship from any side. His words were not those conveying clinical technical descriptions of the game but instead managed to capture all elements of the event - the play, the characters, their fans back home (pints in hand), the history, the flair and the magic.
Masses of funds are often poured into sports to increase its attraction, for rugby the voice of Bill McLaren has done the job nicely. Perhaps the rugby World Cup trophy should now be renamed the Bill McLaren trophy?
The greatest rugby commentator I've ever had the pleasure of listening to. His impartiality, knowledge and warmth make him my all-time best sports commentator. A part of rugby will die when he retires.
I would like to thank Mr McLaren for the many times I have listened to him on the BBC World Service when he has brought rugby into my lounge!
Like Waring is to league, Coleman is to athletics and Wolstenholme was to football, so McLaren is to Union. It is committed individuals like him that bring the game to life for fans and non-devotees of any sport.
To be considered truly great by one's peers, you need humility for your subject matter. There is no finer exponent of that currently in the commentary box. Rugby fans of all persuasions would do well to note the contribution made by this gentleman to the 'real' beautiful game.
Many congratulations on a wonderful career. You will be sadly missed. I, too, come from Hawick and can well remember you striding up the Park with my class at Hawick High School, on cold, wintry days. Best wishes for a happy retirement.
We'll miss you so much. Bill is responsible for popularising rugby
in Flanders and his voice is equivalent to rugby. With his retirement a page of history has been turned. All the best to you Bill and many thanks for the beautiful moments you gave us.
Six Nations rugby without Bill McLaren, it's just not possible, this is a bad dream.
The day I had long been dreading has finally arrived. Bill McLaren's voice to be heard no more on television. For me, and I would imagine, most Rugby supporters, he has been the only voice we wanted to hear. Other commentators do not come near his levels of knowledge, judgement, warmth and genuine delight in the game. I will never forget the terrible day in 1990 when England's Grand Slam was halted at Murreyfield by the most shameless display of patriotic determination ever witnessed in world sport. Throughout the whole game, as the disaster unfolded, McLaren commentated with the impartiality of Solomon. No triumphalism, no side-swipes at the arrogant tap-penalty tactics of the England team - a truly stunning performance from a truly remarkable man.
Can you imagine the current crop of Welsh and near-Welsh commentators we are currently saddled with behaving like that! If we can't have Bill any more, bring back Starmer-Smith - at least he was apprentice to a master.
As an ex-player and life long fan of rugby, watching games and even listening to match reports will never be the same. Bill's humour, knowledge and pure professional timing in commentary on a game many folk don't understand the rules of will be missed. He taught people as he spoke and we will miss that wonderful Borders brogue.
Hopefully he has time now to grant me a wish, Bill is one of those men you'd like to play a round of golf with or just sit by a fire with a wee dram and listen to him. He will go down as a legend along with O'Sullivan, Walker, Carpenter and Alliss as the voice of his sport.
I never saw Bill McLaren play but he is still my Rugby hero. His enthusiasm for the game surpassed even his love of Scotland and he couldn't help but admire great play and great players even if it resulted in a try against the Scots. He said more about the spirit of the game than all the side steps and thumping tackles.
I grew up listening to you. As an ex-pat, when I hear you, I think of home. Good luck, you'll be sadly missed.
None of this 'hanky-panky', Bill's commentary was like a 'raging rhinoceros' compared to any of his contemporaries. Every one I know who loves rugby, loves and respects Bill.
Having grown up in Scotland and been part of his era, Bill McLaren is, and always will be the voice of Rugby. Noone else can walk in his shadow. Enjoy your retirement - you deserve it.
I grew up with Bill, the most important part of my and my late father's winter sports calender. You are the doyen of rugby commentators as Vivian Jenkins was of rugby writers. Rugby won't be the same without you and I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a long and happy retirement. We will just be left with the tapes to remind us of your greatness.
His comments were wonderful, his enthusiasm boundless but neither would interfere with an unbiased commentary. Sad times indeed.
Bill, I feel I've been hit by a "siege-gun" hearing of your decision to 'hang up your mic'. You ARE the voice of rugby and will be greatly missed when you do actually 'forward pass' the commentary on.
I remember during the rugby World Cup, I actually turned the volume down on the TV and tuned into Radio 5 (I think) just to hear a real commentator. I just want to wish you all the very best and thank you. Mind you, England for the Six Nations, but for you I hope it's Scotland. Kind regards.
I was lucky enough to be taught by Bill from age nine to 13 and he was the most amazing and wonderful teacher I had throughout my school years. No matter your ability or background Bill knew every single one of his hundreds of pupils at six schools where he taught and had a nickname for them all.
He would come back from commentating on an international and give a programme signed by all the players to one of the kids and chat with them about the match, which as a youngster was the most amazing thing.
A true gentleman, a great man, a wonderful teacher and the greatest commentator and someone who deserves to enjoy his retirement "üp the Vertish" curing his slice.
Professional, deeply knowledgable, passionate and an unmistakable voice. Enjoy your retirement, Bill
Rugby will never quite be the same. Thank you Bill for always making it that little bit special.
No one sets the scene on an international like Bill McLaren, no one describes a "Gary Owen" like Bill McLaren, no one will replace Bill McLaren. Thank you for making international rugby so enjoyable for me and millions of others. You will be sorely missed. Enjoy your retirement.
Simply the Best. Bill's knack of coming up with exactly the right phrase time after time is legendary. The Six Nations will be the loser as the dull games will not have his wit to enliven them. Sorely missed already, thanks for the memories and a long and happy retirement Bill.
His outstanding commentary added 20% to my enjoyment of a game. Comments like "they're having a little tantrum" referring to an altercation between huge prop forwards, remain forever joyfully etched in my memory. Mr McLaren, you'll be sorely missed.
I became passionate about rugby as I grew up in the 70's, listening to the Five Nations, commentated on by Bill McLaren. One reason why I became so interested in rugby was the way Bill brought the game alive, with his absolute mastery of the detail on the players and the fixture, and his superb observations on the characters in the game.
For me, a rugby match which is not commentated on by Bill is already a second rate proposition before it starts. We will all miss you Bill; have a long and happy retirement.
A man of integrity, who is old-school yet in touch. He has such enthusiasm and street-cred. People love him because they know he is dying to be patriotic but remains so beautifully impartial.
I was introduced to Bill as a small boy by my father, George Barton, who on many occasions shared the press box with Bill. The most outstanding part of any of Bill's commentaries would have to be that he was so unbiased, and all the small snippets of information that would be put in when play had stopped for a short time. Bill you are a credit to rugby. May I take this opportunity to wish you a long and happy retirement.
I grew up with Bill's commentaries and, to me, no Scotland game is complete without his voice.
Probably the most impartial commentator there has been. The soft mellow tones were always able to pour water on the most heated incident and express calm as excitement and tension mounted. My favourite moments, be they the memories of a Blanco run or a Fergus Slattery dash, to the modern day, were all the better for your input. Thank you. P.S. I'm sure there will be a few toasts to you the night you retire in clubhouses through out the land.
Bill exemplifies all that is best about sport and rugby in particular. He is a sportsman, a gentleman and always added something to every game he described for those of us not fortunate to be there. As a Northumbrian I loved his sense of pride in his own roots. 'Hawick, Hawick, Queen of a' the Borders'. We willna hear his like again.
A man whose genuineness, passion for his chosen sport and loyalty to his Scottish Border roots ring loud and clear across a lifetime of commentating. Like Brian Moore in soccer, he must be one of that rare breed of men about whom no-one has had a bad word to say.
Best commentating moment: 'out to Gerald Davies....WHAT'S HE DOING THERE??'...the legendary Welsh winger having intervened at outside half against Scotland in the days when total rugby was obviously not a concept in vogue - followed 30 seconds later by 'That'll be the try of the Championship' as Phil Bennett swerved past the Scottish full-back to drop down, exhausted, under the posts for the decisive score.
Bill is without doubt the most knowledgeable and unbiased sports commentator of my time. The commentary box's classiest act by far. Have a great retirement, the game will never forget you.
I grew up in England and played schoolboy rugby. Watching the internationals of the day on Grandstand I was always impressed with Bill McLaren. Always in control but communicating excitement and the passion of the game. Talked of the little nuances which only a player or a true devotee would be aware.
I remember once in 75 I think Phil Bennett scored a wonderful try under the posts after 80 metres of Welsh players passing and running and Bill summed it up beautifully with "It's the try of the season!" Have a great retirement.
One of the greats, Bill taught me to play the game in primary school in Hawick (many years ago) and I've enjoyed his work ever since.
Not just the best commentator, but he also introduced so many people to the game - not just the greats but to people like me who now love the sport.
The greatest sports commentator of all time. Thank you Bill.
Quite simply, THE voice of rugby. All the best Bill, and thank you.
I'm 43 now and Bill McLaren has been a part of my life ever since I watched my first international on TV, I would imagine about 35 years ago. As a sports fan rather than a rugby fan particularly, Bill's vast knowledge and love of his sport comes shining through.
What is more, his style hasn't changed a bit. In a game that has had more than its share of changes he represents the unchanging values of the game. It will be a long time before another commentator has the same impact on the game of rugby that he has had. Best wishes to him for a long and happy retirement. I shall miss him - probably the last of the commentating 'greats' from my youth!
Bill, thank you. Thank you very much.
A legend never to be replaced.
On a cold, wet, and muddy Arms Park day, McLaren looked down on the Welsh and Scottish packs embroiled in a tightly-contested scrum. With his characteristic dry wit he said: "There are some pretty ample citizens down there." How can we ever say "thank you" enough to the best commentator the game has ever known? Bill, you're the best!
A genius in the commentary box and a gentleman everywhere. Good luck in your retirement Bill...thanks for the memories.
Dear Bill, rugby just will not be the same. You have set a standard no-one else has come close to. Enjoy your retirement.
His knowledge and love of the game shine through in all his commentaries over the years. The fact that others have tried to copy his style underlines his greatness. "Quite magnificent" as he would say himself! Enjoy your retirement, we'll miss you.
Well, they won't be dancing in the streets of Hawick, Galashiels, Pontypridd or anywhere else tonight at the news of Bill's retirement. The man's informed insight, love and knowledge of the game, together with his sense of fair play, will never be replaced. Enjoy your retirement, sir!
No more 'jiggery pokery'! He will be sorely missed.
Man, what a blow! Watching the game will never be the same again - or as good.
The most unbiased commentator in any sport. The voice never varied even when he was commentating on another win for his beloved Hawick or the less common Scottish wins over England.
Add to that the wonderful phrases - "a bit of hanky panky in the lineout" springs to mind - and you have one of the broadcasting greats. Bill McLaren ranks alongside Alistair Cooke as one of the defining voices of British broadcasting.
Have a wonderful retirement Bill.
What I like most about Bill is his professionalism and modesty. His most important game is always the next one. Enjoy your retiral (Scottish word).
"Like a greyhound out of the trap!" Bill IS the greatest commentator of all time, his sentences will live with us for a long time. Well done, have a lovely retirement, you deserve it.
When you remember past games and glories, you always hear Bill McLaren's commentary running through your head. He and the game of rugby are inseparable.
Enjoy your retirement.
To me, the tournament means hearing Bill describing some unfortunate ball carrier as being "festooned with members of the constabulary" in his inimitable Scottish style. We'll all miss him, and wish him well in his retirement.
Having left Ireland a few years back, and now living in the US, the one thing that people ask all the time is what I miss about home. My answer is always the same. I miss the rugby, the Six Nations, all the games. Most of all I miss the voice of the man that has set so many young men on their way into the greatest sport in the world - Bill McLaren.
We will never see his like again, is an over used phrase, but one that is totally apt for this most honest, intelligent, and nicest of men. Bill enjoy your retirement, you leave behind an extremely, if not impossible, act to follow.
They'll be raising a glass or two to him in the bars of Hawick tonight.
Rugby will never be the same again, best of luck in your retirement. May you be as happy as you've made all of us over the last 50 years.
The Six Nations just won't be the same. He has the capacity to make a dull game seem exciting. He has a rare quality that will be sorely missed!
Whilst there may be many other commentators, Bill will always be the greatest; he is an absolute living legend in the rugby world.
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