BILL McLAREN - THE FINAL INTERVIEW PART 1

[MOGGS1942]

As a Welshman I would like to add my voice to the many tributes paid here to the great man.

The word "legend" is often overused,and unjustified,but not when apportioned to Mr.McLaren.

The World is poorer for his passing,but he will NEVER be forgotten.

[grandslam1998]

A true rugby man and a true gent. RIP

[GuruSponge]

I'm a Scot, living overseas for 25 years, and it saddened me to realise this great Borders man, so widely respected, had passed away earlier this year. He was a gentleman, Scottish to the core, but always fair. He set the bar of sports commentary high. I doubt it will ever be passed.

[BigjockGnu]

A man like F1's Jackie Stewart who make you proud to be Scottish

[mcs1hr]

I was thinking the other day, Bill taught me so much about rugby just through his commmentary. I didn't just know what was happening and the score, but I knew where the players came from, their schools, how many caps, how many tries, how heavy they were, pack weights etc. He also put things in historical perspective, made rugby history sound fascinating and he made rugby into not just a game I wanted to play and watch, but a game I wanted to learn about. He was a wonderful man.

[riddyzarzoff]

Thanks for the interview.

No need for any visuals, his voice conveys it all.

Nice for us Aussies that he mentioned Campese, such an impartial lovely man.

[minesareus]

I am crying reading these comments, he was such a well loved man, who else could get away with saying "Well intentioned booing"? As a Jock myself his voice always reminded me of a fovourite uncle. RIP Bill, you are missed.

[thegowd]

I will never forget being a 'wayne' and listening to this special mans commentary. I am an Irishman and will never forget Bill describing Simon Geoghean.. 'He's like a wild Salmon going up a burn!!' Fantastic! It completely enthralled me!

[dascotton]

This is a man who gave far more than he ever took and yet never realised that.

A pleasure to have listened to him and his unbiased commentary from 1990 will live with me forever.

Even my south African wife is well aware of who he is. He'll never be replaced.

[doddsoreric]

RIP Bill. I met the man many times. He trained my Uncles at rugby. His way to teach a boy to tackle was to run full pelt at someone and say bring me down. I worked at his home and I can tell you he was a pure gentleman. A true great. RIP Bill. Hawick, Scotland and the world will miss you.

[closertofiftythanyew]

ANYONE THAT LIKES RUGBY THAT COMES ACROSS HERE, LISTEN TO ALL FIVE PARTS. Bill will expect it of you.

Diolch Bill, ti yn da Iawn, ydych chi yn gwybod 'na? Mae Caerdydd wedi colli rhywbeth hefyd, fel du tref ti, Hawick.

[videoreff]

There are many commentators with an incisive, in-depth knowledge of their sport. There are also many whose strength is their engaging personality. Bill was both.

An exceptional man, very sadly missed by all rugby fans who watched & listened over the years.

[takineti]

He may be gone, but the Godfather of rugby wll NEVER be forgotten

[steno669]

The classic voice of rugby, a true master & a true gentleman. Hawick, Scotland & the entire global rugby fraternity have lost their 'founding father'.

[nultylarkin]

I am not knocking Irish rugby commentary but we always switced over to the BBC to listen to Bill. He is The Voice. Thanks.

[Duncsta22]

Many fond memories of this man's commentary. Makes me proud to be scotsman, but also to have been part of his era of commentary. Thanks for everything Bill.

[FalaBell]

Stuart

Great to hear this interview again although under such sad circumstances.

Bill will always be 'The Master'.

Thanks

[wycliffe35]

Whenever the commentary was from Bill one knew it would be wonderfully impartial.

[darkstartoby]

so sad the legend of the game sounds old ..what a life ..so much joy he gave us all to our living rooms .thank you sir

[cullyvan]

Thanks for this. RIP Bill , a fine man.

[pengyboy40]

As a Welshman growing up with a love of rugby his commentry was pure poetry, he could make a bad game sound like an epic, he was that enthusiastic.

[dinorfc]

Pure class and the best ever.

Seems like a wonderful man to boot.

Certainly increased my love of the game.

Very grateful.

[hugobear1]

When he came down to to South Africa in the early to mid 90s after readmittance to do a one-off special commentary he was rightly treated like visiting royalty. The greatest.

[ozziedoug]

R.I.P Mr Rugby the whole world loves you.

[castlegolfer]

Thank you for posting this interview, must be a big game in Heaven this week, God bless 'the voice of Rugby' a large dram in Bill's honour at the next Scotland v Ireland game.