Bill McLaren

Hawick. Late January, 2010. A small borders town with a world famous rugby club, and an even more famous son. Bill McLaren who died on 19 January 2010 at the age of 86 in his home town of Hawick.

Much has already been written, and many rugby fans will have their own favorite memory of Bill.

My mother for instance: You never needed the commentator to tell you if a kick had gone through the posts, or indeed to see the Assistant Refs raise their flags, because Bill would always advise "The crowd will tell you" by raising a cheer if it had or a silence if it hadn't, you see.

As a child watching this wonderful, and sometimes bewilderingly complex game, which I had only recently started to play, Bill McLaren had an ability and turn of phrase to make the game easier to understand, and welcome you into the rugby family.

He will be missed, but not forgotten. No commentator could ever be as good, in any sport, though many will try.