Scottish Rugby Joins Online Mclaren Petition

Scottish Rugby added its weight to the online petition to have voice of rugby, Bill McLaren, knighted in the Queen’s Honours List.The internet campaign was launched on social networking site ‘Facebook’ in March and has since been backed by over 5,500 people.Commentator McLaren, from Hawick, retired in 2002 and has already received an OBE, CBE and MBE for services to the sport but rugby fans and Scottish Rugby have rallied to see him knighted.Scottish Rugby President, Jim Stevenson, said: “Scottish Rugby is delighted to back the campaign to have Hawick’s favourite son Bill McLaren knighted for his unstinting service to the game in a career which spanned over five decades.”Bill was not just a broadcaster – the world-renowned, impartial Voice of Rugby – and a well-respected journalist.  He was also a teacher of physical education who inspired generations of rugby players with his sheer love for the game of rugby union.”His approach to broadcasting has endeared him to the rugby enthusiast and the casual observer alike and there could be no more worthy a recipient of such an honour.”Broadcaster and former Scotland and British & Irish Lions internationalist, Scott Hastings, added: “Bill McLaren’s voice and name are synonymous with the game and despite the fact that his last game as a commentator with the BBC was over seven years ago, his is still fondly remembered throughout the world as the ‘the voice of rugby’.”His ability to comment with such perfect brilliance and without bias was legendary and he is still revered as the doyen of all sports commentators as his mastery and love of the game shone through.”His meticulous preparation is part of folklore and his ability to recall names, facts and figures from memory left no one in doubt that he knew the game inside out. ‘Remember son’, he once said to me, ‘90% of what you write down you’ll never use but the fact that it’s there is what makes the difference’.”A Knighthood for Bill would be a fitting accolade from someone that has brought joy and wisdom to so many.”Campaign organiser, Bruce Aitchison, added: “‘I am delighted that the campaign has had so much support and from all over the world. “John Smit, Gregor Townsend and many of the current Scotland squad are right behind it. It is a fantastic reflection on someone who genuinely is a legend of the game.”To add your name to the petition, join the Facebook group ‘Kinghthood for Bill McLaren’.