John Beattie has written a heartfelt tribute to Bill McLaren, the legendary rugby commentator who died on Saturday at the age of 86. Beattie, a former Scotland international, described McLaren as the best rugby commentator of all time and one of the finest men the world has ever seen.
McLaren, known for his unbiased, clear and knowledgeable commentary, was a part of rugby's fabric during its greatest era. He fought at Monte Cassino in the Second World War, and his tuberculosis prevented him from playing for Scotland. Beattie recalled travelling with McLaren in Rome, where he mentioned being there before in a tank with General Mark Clark.
McLaren's preparation was meticulous: he would watch teams train, produce large sheets with facts and figures, and practise late into the night. His fame was international; a Romanian player once burst into tears upon meeting him, saying McLaren's voice brought a glimpse of the free West when rugby tapes were smuggled into the country.
Beattie noted that McLaren could convey vast amounts of information during a commentary, including similes, family details, and statistics. He was known for offering minty 'Hawick balls' to players, a sign of respect. Beattie's favourite commentary was when McLaren's son-in-law, Alan Lawson, scored a try for Scotland against England in 1976.
Beattie expressed sadness that McLaren was not knighted in time, and concluded that none of us are fit to lace his boots. He called McLaren an amazing man and a true legend.
