Bill McLaren "The Voice of Rugby " Dies, Tributes Are Paid
Bill McLaren the voice of Rugby passed away yesterday in his beloved Hawick, many tributes are being paid to this humble giant of rugby broadcasting.
First Minister Alex Salmond has added his tribute to former BBC rugby commentator Bill McLaren following news of his death, at the age of 86.
Mr Salmond said: "The world of sport and broadcasting has lost a true legend with the passing of Bill McLaren."
"He thoroughly deserved the title "voice of rugby" and was a fantastic ambassador for Scotland and his native Hawick right around the world. His contribution to the sport of rugby cannot be over-stated."
"Only illness prevented him fulfilling his dream of playing for Scotland. But in his many years as a PE teacher in the home town he loved, he developed and nurtured a host of talented youngsters who went on to represent their country. And proudly but impartially commentated on their achievements from the commentary box was Bill McLaren."
"His famously descriptive commentaries brought a joy and understanding of the game to rugby fans and less-knowledgeable viewers that few others have ever managed. My thoughts are with his family at this sad time."
A sad loss. He was unique, with a vivid turn of phrase and great insight into the game. i think rugby followers all over appreciated his unbiased commentries.
Here's some inimitable McLarenisms:
"Like a little pocket battleship" on a burrowing flanker.
"It's an up and under... that one's coming down with snow on it" on a full-back's high punt
"15 stones of Prime Scottish beef on the hoof" on Scott Hastings
"Dooley, the towering Blackpool policeman, standing like a lighthouse at the back of the line-out"
"There's a fair bit of Jiggery pokery going on down there" whenever the scrum starts throwing "manly punches" or other non-regulation stuff
"as tricky as a bag of ferrets" on a fleet-footed back
"He's a substantial citizen" on any heavy looking player
"He's like the leader in a buffalo stampede that lad Scott Gibbs" when talking about Wales's heartbreaker try against England in 1999.