A tribute to Bill McLaren

Rugby lost its true voice on Tuesday when much-loved and respected commentator Bill McLaren passed away at the age of 86.

Rugby lost its true voice on Tuesday when much-loved and respected Scottish commentator Bill McLaren passed away at the age of 86.

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.

1953 was his first appearance on national radio and he went on to cover on a whole host of rugby matches, which arguably became memorable because of his voice. McLaren received an OBE, CBE and MBE for services to the sport and combined his work with PE teaching until 1987.

He was also the lead commentator on EA Sports computer game Jonah Lomu Rugby in the 90s, with great lines such as “They're like cattle trucks in a shunting yard” always raising a smile.

Born in 1923, McLaren began as a player and made the Hawick first XV prior to World War II. A flanker, he had a trial for Scotland in 1947 and was on the verge of an international cap when he contracted tuberculosis, which nearly killed him.

“I was desperately ill and fading fast when the specialist asked five of us to be guinea pigs for a new drug called Streptomycin,” he said in 2001.

“Three of the others died but I made what amounted to a miracle recovery.”

Widely regarded as being to rugby what Murray Walker was to motor racing, his final commentary, Wales v Scotland in 2002, saw the crowd sing “For He's a Jolly Good Fellow” and one Welsh fan held a banner claiming “Bill McLaren is Welsh”.

It is abundantly clear that he was loved all over the globe for his unique style and catch phrases that have made many watch the game over the past five decades.

Here are some of his best quips:

1. “Geoghegan is all arms and legs. He's like a mad octopus.”

2. “He's as slippy as a baggy up a Border burn is little Bryan Redpath there.”

3. “He's as quick as a trout up a burn.”

4. “Good thing he's got a long jersey.” (speaking of Victor Ubogu waiting for a new pair of shorts from the sideline)

5. “It looked like a fluffed number four wood.” (speaking of Rob Andrew's successful conversion against Scotland)

6. “In the name of the little man, he's almost, he's done it!” (speaking of Diego Dominguez's long-range penalty goal)

7. “It's high enough, it's long enough and it's straight enough!!”

8. “He kicked that ball like it were three pounds o' haggis.”

9. “He's like a demented ferret up a wee drainpipe.”

10. “I've hardly ever had to pay to get in.” (When asked what the best thing was about being a rugby commentator for 50 years)

It is also no surprise that the tributes have been pouring in from Planet Rugby readers and other names that stretch even further from the sport.

Here is what they said:

BrettW: “What a great man. It was a privilege to listen to him…the phrase “Bump n Burrel” will stay with me forever thanks to Uncle Bill's descriptive commentary. He will be missed by many in the rugby world…have a safe trip Bill and enjoy watching this wonderful game from your commentary box in the sky…cheers…”

LieweHexie: “No question he was one of the greatest commentators of all time. His greatest asset was his ability to deliver a cracking good commentary without denigrating the referee and without the bias that is so prevalent among commentators today. Rest in peace Bill, in the knowledge that you gave many of us great joy.”

BigBrownie: “My abiding memory of Bill was describing a Gavin Hastings break down the right wing for Scotland against Australia, some years ago, as “15 stone of Prime Scottish Beef on the hoof”, just before he dropped his shoulder into an Aussie prop, dumping him on his backside in the process. Surely the best tribute of all should be the naming of the Six Nations Trophy the 'Bill McLaren Trophy'? RIP Bill.”

Expat: “A great man who will be sorely missed. His unbiased commentary could teach many of today's pundits a thing or two. One of the best I recall was his description of a scrum-half's pass being “like chocolate bar service from a vending machine”. Classic!”

Prime Minister Gordon Brown: “Millions of rugby fans will be mourning the sad passing of Bill McLaren, who was the voice of rugby for nearly fifty years. His expertise, enthusiasm and passion for rugby union inspired young and old alike.”

Minister for Sport Gerry Sutcliffe: “Bill McLaren was the iconic voice of the sport he loved. His commentaries showcased his passion for – and deep knowledge of – rugby union, reaching out to millions who had never ever been to Murrayfield, Twickenham or Cardiff. His legacy is an extraordinary, rich and instantly recognisable voice that will never be forgotten.”

Scotland legend Gavin Hastings: “First and foremost, Bill was a very proud and passionate Scot but such was his professionalism that you never really have known that. He always remained very unbiased in his commentary and I think that was unquestionably one of his endearing qualities. He was just such a gentleman as well.”

BBC Scotland director Ken MacQuarrie: “Bill McLaren was one of the true broadcasting greats whose voice was synonymous with rugby both here in Scotland and throughout the world.”

Scotland captain Chris Cusiter: “When I was growing up, he was the voice of rugby. He was the guy you heard and you recognised instantly. He was unparalleled.”

Scotland attack coach and former international Gregor Townsend: “As a youngster, I used to cut out the articles Bill wrote in The Herald. I remember he wrote about me when I played for Gala against Melrose and he had such a technical grasp of the game and was able to offer advice for things for a young player to work on. He knew his rugby all right.”

Chris Paterson, Scotland's most capped player: “I was shattered when I heard the news and I feel so sorry for his friends and family. On a personal level, I grew up listening to him and he made rugby sound both entertaining and interesting.”

Former Scotland and Lions player and coach Sir Ian McGeechan: “For me growing up, Bill was the voice of rugby alongside Cliff Morgan. You will never know how many people Bill brought to the game by the way he commentated. He was an absolute gentleman, totally unbiased.”

Scottish Rugby Union president Jim Stevenson: “On behalf of the entire rugby community in Scotland, I want to express our heartfelt sympathies to Bette and the family but, most of all, I want to express our thanks and appreciation for the joy and fun that Bill brought to our game.”

Rugby Football Union president John Owen: “Bill McLaren was both the voice and the heart of rugby union. His prodigious knowledge of the