RIP Bill McLaren, the 'voice of rugby'

Commentator Bill McLaren, known popularly as the "voice of rugby", has died at the age of 86.

Mr McLaren, from Hawick, retired in 2002 and was appointed OBE, CBE and MBE for services to the sport.



He began commentating on BBC radio in 1953 and moved on to television six years later.

He went on to earn the respect of players, fans, and spectators by being the best-researched commentator rugby had ever seen.



Mr McLaren died at 1030 GMT in the community hospital in Hawick in the Scottish Borders.

He was born in the town in 1923, and grew up to be a talented rugby player.