Bill McLaren dies aged 86 – my thoughts

Bill McLaren, the voice of rugby to millions, has died at the grand old age of 86, he died at 10:30 this morning in Hawick. He was appointed OBE, CBE and MBE for services to rugby however an online campaign calling for McLaren to be knighted failed last year.

I grew up watching rugby and listening to Bill commentate – he made even the most drab of games interesting with his lyrical tone and knowledgeable contributions. No one could compete with McLaren in his heyday and the Scotsman was the staple diet for the majority of BBC rugby viewers.

In 1986, I remember watching the Wales v Scotland game from Cardiff Arms Park and in a tight encounter (Wales led 16-15 at the time) Paul Thorburn took what was to prove the longest kick measured at the ground of 70 yards and 8 inches.

“Thorburn then, WOOF …. what a belt he’s given it ….. That is amazing”

Bill’s commentary that day was magnificent – I can honestly say I’ve never heard a more unbiased commentator in any sport – he loved the game, the atmosphere and the spectacle. As a proud Scotsman (born in Hawick in 1923) he was as excited about a Welsh or English try as he was with a Scottish victory; such was his level of professionalism.

In 1953, while working for the Hawick Express he had his first break into radio commentary – six years later he moved up into the world of television and he never looked back. Bill’s first game behind the microphone was Scotland’s 12 – 0 defeat of Wales and it was the same combination that saw him retire in 2002 – such was the level of admiration for the commentator the crowd sang “for he’s a jolly good fellow” at the final whistle.

When he retired in 2002, it signalled a change in commentating – we are unlikely to see his like again.  Bill McLaren, you will be sorely missed.

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