Rugby lost its true voice on Tuesday when much-loved and respected Scottish commentator Bill McLaren passed away at the age of 86. Difficult. 20 January 2010 Bill McLaren, rugby football's most revered commentator, the 'voice of rugby', has died, leaving rugby richer for his many years of commentating and poorer for his passing. Between 1969 and 1979, the men in red shirts won or shared eight Five Nations Championships, including three Grand Slams and six Triple Crowns. Obviously prior to 2000 Bill McLaren . This week we continue with Big Boys. Welsh male . Regular price 3.90 6.50 (Save 2.60 ) Sold Out. Exeter Chiefs Keyring. Regular price 29.99 49.99 (Save 20 ) Sold Out. Many rugby fans would have no problem nominating him as the finest TV commentator on their sport that the world has seen, though in fairness, it would be hard to think of anybody representing any sport who could better him. You will leave behind a huge void." Smith started his international career as a number 8 but switched to blindside in 2003. WALES rugby legend JJ Williams has died at the age of 72. In 2003 there was a vote for the greatest rugby player ever, not Welsh rugby player, any rugby player. Barbarians v All Blacks 1973 [2005] by Gareth Edwards DVD . For many of us, rugby on TV will forever be chilly Saturday afternoons and the voice of Bill McLaren. Davies sat with McLaren at the Scotsman's last BBC commentary in 2002.. Craig Quinnell was a giant (and I mean giant) lock. In Stock. In the 1970s, an age long before World Cups, rugby union to the British public meant Bill McLaren, rude songs and, most of all, Wales. Tributes to Bill McLaren, who died yesterday in his native Hawick at 86, will struggle to avoid the phrase "the voice of rugby" for a broadcaster who became synonymous - and, thanks to his . . The beloved commentator sadly. For me, as for many southern hemisphere rugby nuts, northern hemisphere rugby and Bill McLaren were one. However, when it comes to monster kicks, there can be only one Welsh rugby player worthy of that giant-sized accolade. 7. Bill Mclaren, the closest we ever had to a proper commentator. Nigel Owens, George North & Dan Biggar. As the number one rugby ball brand in the world, we pride ourselves on our historic background and high quality product. Last week's 15 Quotes from Bill covered Celebrations, Fisticuffs, Tough Guys & some Big Boys. Former Wales outside-half Jonathan Davies has led Welsh tributes to BBC commentator Bill McLaren, who died on Tuesday aged 86. Get a summary of the Wales vs Scotland, Six Nations 2002 6 Apr, 2002 rugby match. Rather than Morgan, this time it is Bill McLaren with the immortal call after another bit of Edwards' excellence - a sublime solo score against Scotland in '72. He was 86. But the mere facts resonate less than the enduring images of the precision of Gareth Edwards, the sublime touch of . On this day 18 years ago (6 April 2002), the Voice of Rugby, Bill McLaren, conducted his final international rugby commentary. Apr 11, 1999. Morgan (83) died yesterday. Welsh Rugby's Six Of The Best - The Seventies. There is one welsh (I trust) match commentator who is decent. . Wednesday 8 August 2012 Welsh rugby legend JPR Williams, working as a volunteer steward at the National Eisteddfod of Wales. William Pollock McLaren CBE (16 October 1923 - 19 January 2010) was a Scottish rugby union commentator, teacher, journalist and one time rugby player. And tributes to Bill McLaren poured in last night from some of the greatest players to have ever graced the game.. Rugby lost its true voice on Tuesday when much-loved and respected Scottish commentator Bill McLaren passed away at the age of 86. February 12, 2012 at 6:23 pm Part 3 of 4 Bill McLaren was simply known as the 'voice of rugby'. How many times has France lost in a Rugby World Cup final? Bill McLaren Born in Hawick, The United Kingdom October 16, 1923 Died January 19, 2010 Genre Sports, Biography edit data McLaren was born in Hawick, in the Scottish Borders, in 1923 to a knitwear salesman from Loch Lomond-side who had moved down to the area. With the help of comedian Max Boyce, the culture of Welsh rugby . Updated Friday, 26th May 2017, 11:06 am Not just a Scottish rugby legend, Bill McLaren is widely regarded as one of the greatest sports broadcasters of all time. In the 1970s, an age long before World Cups, rugby union to the British public meant Bill McLaren, rude songs and, most of all, Wales. When he was 16, he started working at the Glanmor Foundry as a steel foundry 'moulder', but was released at the age of 36 on medical grounds. Bill McLaren described him as the "greatest all around footballer" he'd ever seen (though McLaren said that about a few players. So Bill McLaren, for decades the BBC's voice of rugby, has passed away at the age of 86. Derek Quinnell played for Wales but this quote refers to two of his sons. In 1972, scrum-half Edwards was in his prime. British coverage of rugby is disappointing at very best. Rhys Webb, Dan Lydiate, Richie McCaw & Toby Faletau. Phil . Sold by 247dvd and sent from Amazon Fulfillment. The Welshman's defining moment as a commentator had occurred in slightly fortuitous circumstances. One of the most fiery Anglo-Welsh encounters in recent history is our third finalist of 1000 Words: Welsh Rugby's Greatest Images. Commentator BILL MCLAREN Introduced by NIGEL STARMER-SMITH Organised by the Welsh Rugby Union in association with Barclays Bank Director DEWI . The Morriston Orpheus Welsh male voice choir at the Bill McLaren Tribute Night at Murrayfield, Edinburgh. . In November 2001, McLaren became the first non-international to be inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame. He believed in sportsmanship values and somehow painted pictures with words that were admired and loved by so many. McLaren's all time favourite Lions are profiled in the 160 page book, well illustrated. . Las mejores ofertas para Bill McLaren - Rugby at its Best [DVD], Bill Mclaren, Used; Very Good DVD estn en eBay Compara precios y caractersticas de productos nuevos y usados Muchos artculos con envo gratis! 7. Arguably the greatest sports commentator ever, certainly the greatest rugby commentator, Bill McLaren, known as 'The Voice Of Rugby' believed passionately in sport and sportsmanship. Many rugby fans would have no Regarding "He could sidestep 3 men in a telephone box" would this be a welsh wizard, Barry John? So Bill McLaren, for decades the BBC's voice of rugby, has passed away at the age of 86. . Former sprinter Williams helped his country to four Five N However, when it comes to monster kicks, there can be only Welsh rugby player worthy of that giant-sized accolade. 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. This weekend, like any other when the Six Nations Championship is being held, he will watch. Doing my best not to say rubbish. McLaren, now in his 86th year, lives quietly at his home in Hawick, in the beautiful Scottish borders. 2.99 delivery. Moderate. Gareth Davies & Rob Evans. Contents 1 Early life 2 Career In the 1970s, an age long before World Cups, rugby union to the British public meant Bill McLaren, rude songs and, most of all, Wales. George Smith had 111 caps for Australia from 2000 to 2013 before he retired completely from international rugby. Which two players have appeared on the most Lions tours? Gilbert Rugby Balls. Bill McLaren 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. He never took the field expecting to lose, and didn't make a habit of tasting defeat with Wales finishing his 12-year Test career with an 81 percent win record in the Five . Brendan Quirke. 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. He said he was close to tears many times and applauded the enduring "fellowship that sets rugby apart from other sports". Easy. Fifty years on from his first BBC international rugby commentary, McLaren chose to bow out at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, where Scotland were concluding the 2002 Six Nations Championship against Wales. The British & Irish Lions legend helped Wales to huge success in the 1970s. GREAT RUGBY MOMENTS - Bill McLaren picks his favourite moments, from Barry John to the 1984 Wallabies, the brilliance of Campese, JPR Williams, Andy Irvine & Serge Blanco, published in 1993, 113 minutes This item is . Cory Hill & Josh Adams. This item: Bill McLaren - Rugby at its Best. # WALvENG75 | Current WRU President Gerald Davies scores this try - adding to an incredible return of 20 tries in 46 Tests for the winger from Llansaint. Gilbert have been involved with the sport since 1823 and have been supplying the official rugby world cup ball since 1995. So come Saturday, the rugby rivalry continues. I'm pretty sure he said the same about Campese at one point). Welsh Rugby can Between 1969 and 1979, the men in red shirts won or shared eight Five Nations Championships, including three Grand Slams and six Triple Crowns. It will be a team full of players who love open running rugby. He was born and grew up in Llanelli. In 1972, scrum-half Edwards was in his prime. William Glynne-Jones (1907-1977) was a Welsh novelist, short story writer, broadcaster and journalist. The Quinnell name is famous in Welsh rugby. 0 rating. Welsh Rugby Union said it took player conduct "extremely serious" and was following the police inquiry. He scored two tries against Scotland in a 35-12 victory but only one is constantly remembered: his . Richard Seeckts. 8. Who is the only British and Irish Lions player to score a full house (try, penalty, conversion and drop goal) in a Test match on tour? Every Time Ref First XV . The second of our finalists in the 1000 Words: Welsh Rugby's Greatest Images campaign is this iconic shot of a mud-caked Gareth Edwards. When Paul Thorburn kicked a record-breaking penalty from 64.2m against Scotland in 1986, it left legendary commentator Bill McLaren to utter the immortal words: "I've seen all the greatest goal kickers in the last decade . Between 1969 and 1979, the men in red shirts won or shared eight Five Nations Championships, including three Grand Slams and six Triple Crowns. Regular price 4.99 Sold Out. BBC rugby commentator Bill Mclaren (centre with TSB Trophy) posses with his all time best world team L-R front row Rob Andrew (ENG), Graham Price (WAL), Sean Fitzpatrick (NZ), Bill McLaren, Mike Gibson (ENG) Gareth . "Edwards over the Welsh 10-yard line over halfway the kick ahead by Edwards" Bill McLaren "At no stage am I thinking about scoring a try, I just want to get over the halfway line! WALES rugby legend JJ Williams has died at the age of 72. 9. "Sport does not come much better, nor embrace so many twists and turns, as the last episode of rugby union's Five Nations Championship," reported The Times after . As the number one rugby ball brand in the world, we pride ourselves on our historic background and high quality product. Rugby fame gave him, like several Welsh stars since, his opportunity but Morgan had natural broadcasting talent founded on that beguiling voice and a poet-like ear for the right word. Handsomely. Bill McLaren, 'The Voice of Rugby' Bill McLaren's daughter Linda with husband Alan Lawson and Joy Amman Davies, Musical Director Gerald Davies, Vice-President of the Choir, linked up with Hugh O'Neil Choir Chairman and Roy Pugh, General Secretary. They were again the supplier for the 2011 rugby world cup in New Zealand. They are also acknowledged as the official match ball supplier and are the preferred choice for 8 of the top 10 rugby playing . 'The Voice of Rugby', commentator Bill McLaren; Warren Gatland receives his OBE; William Webb Ellis runs with a football at Rugby School (1823) February 10, 2012 by Paul Smith Arguably the greatest sports commentator ever, certainly the greatest rugby commentator, Bill McLaren, known as 'The Voice Of Rugby' believed passionately in sport and sportsmanship. He scored two tries against Scotland in a 35-12 victory but only one is constantly remembered: his . As a young boy, long before I ever travelled to London, I had the idea that everyone in the . Welsh legend Jonathan Davies paid a personal tribute to McLaren after the game. On behalf of everyone in rugby, thanks. Keith Davies, a pal of late rugby . It would be a miracle if he could!" - Bill McLaren. Bill McLaren had been scheduled to call the game but had fallen ill . Only 2 left in stock. There's the Quinnell brothers, two well-nourished individuals. From the pioneering 19th century Welsh tactician Gwyn Nichols to Rugby World Cup winners in Australian centre Tim Horan and South African scrum-half Joost van der Westhuizen, the latest induction list reads like a 'who's who' of rugby. Here is McLaren on two sturdy brothers who were giants of Welsh rugby in more ways than one. Irishman Fergus Slattery and Mervyn Davies are two of the names that 'The voice of rugby' Bill . Alun Wyn Jones, Jonathan Davies & Liam Williams. Rugby broadcasting is barely recognisable to the days of Bill McLaren. Bill McLaren's notes, England v France 1991. . An injured Phil May hangs his head as his Welsh side lose to Western Samoa (1991) Atsushi Ogagi is hit in the face during Doshiba University's visit to Cambridge University (1989) . "They've made their point, let's hope it settles down," said commentator Bill McLaren early on in this infamous Five Nations encounter. DVD . 28th September 2020 Steven Not just a Scottish rugby legend, Bill McLaren is widely regarded as one of the greatest sports broadcasters of all time. Worcester . But the mere facts re Smith kept playing in elite club rugby for Toulouse, Wasps, and the Bristol Bears (to name a few of his many teams). So I'm asking do any of you have records of who did the commentaries on BBC television for the Five Nations from say 1980 to 1999 and subsequently the Six Nations. Gibbs' try has of course become a thing of Welsh rugby folklore, as the last minute score, with him beating more than a few players on the way to the try line, not only put Wales in the position to win the match, but ultimately took the Grand Slam away from England. On Phil Bennett: "They say down at Stradey that if ever you catch him [Phil Bennett] you get to make a wish." When Paul Thorburn kicked a record-breaking penalty from 64.2m against Scotland in 1986, it left legendary commentator Bill McLaren to utter the immortal words: "I've seen all the greatest goal kickers in the last decade, but I . The Crowning Years: Welsh Rugby 1969-1979 [VHS] : Cliff Morgan, Bill McLaren, Nigel Starmer-Smith, David Parry-Jones, Cliff Morgan, Bill McLaren: Amazon.co.uk: DVD & Blu-ray Select Your Cookie Preferences There will never be . In the past, forum members have been able to pass on details of Grand National and Boat Race television commentators. 5/6 Nations BBC commentary. Welsh shirts and scarves (see main picture) will flock up to England, where it makes for an atmosphere . Sale Sharks Replica Ball. Bill McLaren Promo Ball. Very easy. Pronunciation of Bill McLaren with 2 audio pronunciations. Bill McLaren Replica Ball. 1 rating. . 7.50 - 23.99 Limited Stock. He was awarded his MBE in 1992, an OBE in 1995 and a CBE in the 2003 honours. It would be a miracle if he could!" - Bill McLaren. So here's part 3 of 4 of our collection of his great quotes. 19.98. Speaking on the Choir's return, Hugh O'Neill said Gethin Jenkins made his Wales debut in the same year that Bill McLaren retired, in what year was it? Smith kept playing in elite club rugby for Toulouse, Wasps, and the Bristol Bears (to name a few of his many teams). We supply rugby balls to every rugby playing nation in the World. Phil Bennett's spectacular score against Scotland in 1977 has been voted the greatest ever Wales try in a Welsh Rugby Union competition. British Lions - "Dream Lions" by Bill McLaren with an introduction by Willie John McBride. Rugby Union - Invesco Perpetual Series 2009 - Wales v Samoa - Millennium Stadium. The second of our finalists in the 1000 Words: Welsh Rugby's Greatest Images campaign is this iconic shot of a mud-caked Gareth Edwards. The welsh and English former players get on my wick. Bill McLaren started out on the radio but progressed to television as the new medium grew in popularity. . Rugby Union - Bill Mclaren Tribute Night - Murrayfield. . Smith started his international career as a number 8 but switched to blindside in 2003. Reply. Somehow you feel a family member has died, and if rugby is a family it is true. HIS 50 years behind the microphone led to his reputation as "the voice of rugby". Perhaps it is what you get used to. JPR Williams. . Reply. England Sponge Ball. . Bill McLaren Posted on 4th April 2020 It's 10 years since Bill McLaren died at the age of 86, a passing so significant for so many it required the memorial service that followed to be held at Murrayfield Stadium. Cardiff Blues said it was a matter for the Wales team. "Story Of Welsh Rugby" - this story traces the ebb and flow of the Welsh rugby union since its foundation in 1881 - 170 mins. Owen Morgan salutes the voice of rugby who provided the soundtrack to a childhood in Wales. . . WALES - "The Golden Years of Welsh Rugby" by Gareth Edwards: Match by match reports of Welsh internationals 1966 - 1979, a second-hand hardback with dust wrapper . Called by the late great Bill McLaren. Wed 20 Jan 2010 07.18 EST It was said that Bill McLaren, who has died aged 86, was the voice of rugby. The British & Irish Lions legend helped Wales to huge success in the 1970s. Very difficult. A Scot who once played for the famous Borders club Hawick, McLaren was the Voice of Rugby for 50 years until 2002, beginning his career by describing table tennis matches in a hospital ward while . Renowned throughout the sport, his enthusiasm and memorable turn of phrase endeared him to many. 1953 was his first appearance on national radio and he went on . Once I got to halfway, Arthur Brown the Scottish full-back comes to meet me so I hoofed it over him, again just trying to keep it going. Regular price 12.99. Stuart Hogg, Mathieu Bastareaud & Kieran Read. George Smith had 111 caps for Australia from 2000 to 2013 before he retired completely from international rugby. Of course, it was never said quite like he would have said it himself, in his honeyed, Borders. His preparation before matches was meticulous. Thanks for your vote! Bennett was Wales captain and featured twice in a move that. as a commentator for Bill McLaren, but there was little - despite the constant change of leads and exciting . As the great rugby commentator Bill McLaren said at the time: "It was magic, magic all the way, not even Merlin the Magician could have done any better." For decades the Welsh rugby public have been arguing about who is the greatest player ever to wear the Welsh jersey; who was the greatest scrum half, centre, prop and No 8; who was the . Easter Bunny Leisure Ball. This arrangement actually started in the mid/late 1980s where Bill McLaren would do all of the Scotland games and Nigel Starmer Smith the England games though Bill McLaren would do England v Wales in Cardiff in 1987, 1991 and 1993 while Nigel Starmer Smith would travel to Paris to do Scotland v France and England v Ireland in Dublin in 1987 . Known as 'the voice of rugby', he retired from commentating in 2002. And Edwards won. That same decade, rugby became forever entwined with the lilting affection of a PE teacher from the Scottish borders. . As a young boy, he was steeped in local rugby stories: The Welsh selectors will be looking to counter these talents as well as to establish a XV for the match against New Zealand in November. (solely as players) 10. This is the death of a close and special relative, a favourite uncle. "The respect people have for Bill is amazing. Warren Gatland, Leigh Halfpenny & Rhys Priestland. On this day 18 years ago (6 April 2002), the Voice of Rugby, Bill McLaren, conducted his final international rugby commentary. Part 1 includes quotes about Celebrations; Fisticuffs; Tough Guys; Read more There have been many more over the years, even during the Rugby World Cup Tournament, where it seems that Wales vs England often have face each other . 7.36. . Former sprinter Williams helped his country to four Five N Bennett was Wales captain and featured twice in a move that began from a bouncing ball in the Welsh 22, with commentator Bill McLaren describing the score as "the try of the Championship". way Bill McLaren subtly shut him up in the Wales vs France game, maybe thats why we had JJ as a commentating sidekick in the Italy game, commentators need not be opinionated and he needs some lessons before he can walk in the shoes of great sidekicks like Gareth Edwards , even Phil Bennet and JJ. The beloved commentator sadly passed away in 2010 but his legacy will live on forever. The Welsh Rugby Union have since estimated that at its peak the strike sailed higher than four double-decker buses and travelled further than the length of the Cutty Sark's hull. . Fifty years on from his first BBC international rugby commentary, McLaren chose to bow out at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, where Scotland were concluding the 2002 Six Nations Championship against Wales. Only 4 left in stock. Luke Charteris, Ken Owens & Sam Warburton. I'm Scottish, and also miss the great Bill McLaren, there was no-one like .