Tuesday, January 19, 2010

We loved you Bill

'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 received an OBE, CBE and MBE for services to the sport.'

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/south_of_scotland/8468319.stm

I don't do obituaries here, except in the most exceptional of circumstances. But Bill McLaren was exceptional.

'Here comes Doddy Weir into the tackle. It will take a lot to get past that.'

Bill McLaren combined a subdued and understated delivery with a delicate and precise turn of phrase. It was pure pleasure to accompany him through a rugby match.

We can't say that of Stuart Barnes and the current shouters and opinionators, sadly.

The day Bill stopped broadcasting rugby became distinctly impoverished commentator-wise. Will we hear his like again?

1 comment:

Alex said...

A sad loss to all rugby fans. We've created a tribute to him where fans can share their momories and upload videos of their favourite moments.

It's at http://www.lastingtribute.co.uk/tribute/mclaren/3231897