Tributes pour in for Bill McLaren

Wednesday 20 January 2010
Published By:
International Rugby > Scotland

Sports stars and politicians have been lining up to join rugby fans in paying tribute to a legend of the game.

Commentator Bill McLaren, who was recognised and respected all over the world - even by those with only a passing interest in the sport, died at the age of 86 yesterday.

He was famed for his Scottish brogue and memorable catchphrases and was even immortalised in the Jonah Lomu Rugby computer game.

And fellow commentator Bill Beaumont, who worked with McLaren for the BBC as well as for the video game - remarked: "Bill McLaren was synonymous with all that is good about [rugby]."

Tributes also come in from the likes of former Scottish internationals Gavin Hastings, John Beattie and Kenny Logan, while prime minister Gordon Brown and Scottish first minister Alex Salmond both highlighted the impact McLaren had on rugby union and on the sporting world in general.

Posted by Amy Nicholson