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Voice of rugby Bill McLaren dies Voice of rugby Bill McLaren dies
(about 1 hour later)
Commentator Bill McLaren, known popularly as the "voice of rugby", has died at the age of 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.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 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 went on to earn the respect of players, fans, and spectators by being the best-researched commentator rugby had ever seen.
Mr McLaren died at 1030 GMT in the community hospital in Hawick in the Scottish Borders. He died at 1030 GMT in the community hospital in Hawick in the Scottish Borders.
He was born in the town in 1923, and grew up to be a talented rugby player. To sit alongside him you just admired the professionalism and homework that he put into his commentaries and also his passion for the game Bill BeaumontFormer England captain class="" href="/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/8468584.stm">Obituary: Bill McLaren class="" href="/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/south_of_scotland/8468572.stm">In Pictures: Bill McLaren class="" href="/sport2/hi/rugby_union/scottish/8468500.stm">Tributes to Bill McLaren
He made the Hawick first XV before World War II and played in a Scotland trial in 1947. Scotland rugby star Gavin Hastings, who worked with him, paid tribute to the commentator.
He was on the verge of a full international cap when he contracted tuberculosis which nearly killed him. He 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.
While convalescing he made his first broadcast on hospital radio describing table tennis matches. "He always remained very unbiased in his commentary and I think that that was unquestionably one of his endearing qualities.
Worldwide reputation "He was a wonderful commentator and he just brought the world of rugby into so many people's homes."
He studied physical education in Aberdeen, and went on to teach PE right through to 1987, coaching several players who went on to play for Scotland - Jim Renwick, Colin Deans and Tony Stanger. Former England captain Bill Beaumont also recognised the importance of McLaren's contribution to the sport.
It was through his junior reporting with the Hawick Express that he launched himself into a career of commentary, making his national debut for BBC radio in 1953. "Bill McLaren is synonymous with what is good about the game," he said.
He moved to television six years later where he established a worldwide reputation. "Every player respected Bill, they respected his judgement.
He received many honours for his services to the sport including becoming the first non-international to be inducted to the International Rugby Hall of Fame. "To sit alongside him you just admired the professionalism and homework that he put into his commentaries and also his passion for the game."
Mr McLaren was also the subject of an internet campaign last year calling for him to be knighted. 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.
McLaren's greatest commentaries
"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."
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