Rugby: Bill McLaren

The death of Bill McLaren has already brought forth tributes from around the rugby world, as befits the game’s most iconic voice. McLaren was one of those rare commentators whose voice became entirely synonymous with their sport, much like Murray Walker, to the degree that, like Walker, even those who knew nothing about rugby recognised his voice, and the context in which it would be found. Whenever Rory Bremner broke out his impression of McLaren, it needed no explanation, unlike some of the politicians in his repertoire.

His voice was ideal for broadcasting, and rugby in particular, its rich and lyrical tone evoked the rugby heartland of the Scottish Borders, where McLaren was born, in Hawick. He added to this a passion for the game and a meticulous approach to research, which was all the more impressive when one considers that he was a part-timer for much of his career, teaching PE during the week. His ability to impart a remarkable amount of information, both statistical and anecdotal, without breaking stride or appearing to try too hard, only added to the viewing experience. Many of those facts and anecdotes stick with fans to this day, such as the tale of referee Derek Bevan, whose home club of Vadre in Wales framed his picture with a toilet seat, which was closed over him whenever he had a bad game. Only McLaren could weave that tale into the commentary of an international match without seeming contrived. Similarly his repertoire of one-liners, the product of preparation rather than spontaneity, steered clear of self-indulgence, and always seemed intended to add to the colour of a match, rather than to draw attention to his commentary.



Above all McLaren seems to have been a well-liked and respected man, and that goes a long way when someone spends so much time in a specialised field. Rugby never sounded the same after his retirement in 2002, and although Eddie Butler (whose own heartfelt tribute to McLaren is here) has his merits on television, as does Ian Robertson on radio, there is currently no-one who captures the spirit in the way that McLaren did. Maybe they never will, his voice and his spirit harked back to the amateur era, an age that already seems like ancient history. It seems strange to think that there is already a generation of fans that has grown up without his commentary, whereas there were 50 years’ worth who did prior to that. McLaren sits alongside greats like Walker and Richie Benaud and his commentary will conjure up evocative images of rugby’s past for those fans until the last of those generations is gone.

Of the coverage of his death, I particularly like this tribute from the UK-based American journalist and broadcaster, Mike Carlson. It is interesting to see the regard he in which he was held by a professional from another part of the world, with a very different sporting background, Carlson being (amongst other things) the pre-eminent NFL pundit in the UK. It is also interesting to note the tributes that have come in from all around the rugby world, and it is clear that as far afield as New Zealand, his was a voice that was heard and respected.