Commentator Bill McLaren, known as the "voice of rugby" thanks to a career spanning almost half a century, has died aged 86.
Commentator was 86
Commentator Bill McLaren, known as the "voice of rugby" thanks to a broadcasting career spanning almost half a century, has died aged 86.
The Scotsman made his first appearance on BBC radio in 1953 and after switching to television six later, his voice became synonymous with the sport of rugby union until his retirement in 2002.
McLaren, who combined his work as a broadcaster with that of a PE teacher until 1987, received an OBE, CBE and MBE for services to the sport and in November 2001 became the first non-international to be inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame.
Leading the tributes was Scotland legend Gavin Hastings, who said: "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 that was unquestionably one of his endearing qualities. He was just such a gentleman as well."
Speaking about his fondest memories of McLaren, Hastings said: "I will always remember I had the good fortune to be along side him in the commentary box on a number of occasions.
"One of the times that I will always remember being there, he said, 'Now son, if you want to speak, just tug away at my coat'.
"I was keen to say something so I kept tugging away at his coat for what seemed like about five minutes before he allowed me to speak.
"It was just the sort of passion of the man that he got so much into the game and that was just the way he was.
"He will be sadly missed. He was a wonderful commentator and he just brought the world of rugby into so many people's homes."
Miracle recovery
Born in 1923, McLaren began as a player and made the Hawick first XV prior to the Second World War.
A flanker, he had a trial for Scotland in 1947 and was on the verge of a full international cap when he contracted, and almost died from, tuberculosis.
"I was desperately ill and fading fast when the specialist asked five of us to be guinea pigs for a new drug called Streptomycin," McLaren said in 2001.
"Three of the others died but I made what amounted to a miracle recovery."
His first commentary was made while recovering from TB, describing table tennis matches for hospital radio.
It was through his junior reporting with the Hawick Express that McLaren launched himself, making his national debut for BBC radio in 1953, when Scotland were beaten 12-0 by Wales.
His final commentary was also a game between Wales and Scotland in 2002.
McLaren also studied physical education in Aberdeen and coached three players who went on to play for Scotland: Jim Renwick, Colin Deans and Tony Stanger.
Two of his grandchildren are current professional rugby players: Scotland and Gloucester scrum-half Rory Lawson and Edinburgh utility back Jim Thompson.
John Thorburn, club secretary of Hawick - who McLaren supported throughout his life - 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."
Dedication
Sky Sports commentator Miles Harrison added: "We actually worked together on the radio at the World Cup Sevens in 1993 at Murrayfield, which was almost my first foray into commentary on a national scale.
"It was an unbelievable experience and left a massive impression on me.
"You're working with a person you always idolised.
"Great is an overused word in sport - and by sports commentators - though Bill would never have overused it.
"But it is a word that is very appropriate for him."
He added: "Absolutely stunning, the quality that he had to the voice.
"You felt in safe hands, not just because of his well-known dedication and professionalism.
"When I worked with him, I thought, 'the standard that this man sets, I won't get anywhere near that - but I'll have a go'."
