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  • The Voice of Rugby

  • My Autobiography
  • By: Bill McLaren
  • Narrated by: Bill McLaren
  • Length: 2 hrs and 29 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (113 ratings)

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The Voice of Rugby

By: Bill McLaren
Narrated by: Bill McLaren
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Summary

From his days growing up in Scotland to his harrowing experiences fighting in Italy during World War Two, Bill McLaren has always been in the thick of it. Used to being caught up in the most dramatic moments rugby has ever seen, McLaren relives the highlights of his illustrious career, and talks of the game today and his regrets that rugby went professional. He is a fierce critic of professional rugby, fearing for the future health and safety of rugby players as the modern game becomes increasingly dangerous. His story amounts to a history of the game itself and reaffirms McLaren's status as something of a global treasure.
©2004 Bill McLaren (P)2004 Random House Audiobooks
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Critic reviews

"Bill McLaren, the legendary commentator, may have hung up his microphone, but moving words still flow." ( Daily Telegraph)

What listeners say about The Voice of Rugby

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rugby legend

legend bill mclaren moving and brilliantly read thanks bill well done to you great book

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What a story, what a voice!

Bill McLaren is the finest rugby commentator ever; it was a privilege to have listen to him live.
To hear his wonderful voice and story is so special; I will listen to this again!
This is one book that should be listened to and not read.

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Pure joy hearing that amazing voice again!

Having grown up absolutely obsessed with rugby; in a house full of rugby videos (showing my age) and rugby memorabilia, this book was absolutely incredible.

It was so nice to hear a man who was so dedicated to his sport and his trade. He has an obvious love for rugby, but also (and most importantly) his family. The way in which he writes about a member of his family becoming ill, is genuinely heartbreaking. You can hear the grief in his words.

This is certainly for a rugby fan of a certain era; an era that appreciated the man behind the microphone and the man who is obsessed with getting his trade right.

I’m honoured to have seen some of his work and therefore the finite detail that he goes into with his notes on players. To read about the hours that actually went into producing these was incredible.

He will remain a sad loss to the rugby community to which he has given so much.

If you enjoyed hearing his voice on a Saturday afternoon, then this book is definitely for you.

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The voice of my early rugby days

Growing up in South Africa in the 60’s & 70’s without television, Bill McLaren was the man who rugby games come alive as we listened to his commentary. His incredible knowledge & his research gave so much to the game. When we finally got television South Africa was in the wilderness with the mighty Springboks excluded until the the early 90’s & their triumph in their first Rugby World Cup in 95. I always loved his voice & his love for the game was evident as well as his ability to remain unbiased, especially when his beloved Scotland were playing. Thoroughly enjoyed this book.

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brilliant

what a top man. Decency and honesty two words that fit well around this man. Great to hear his voice again from my childhood.

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Brilliant

This was an excellent listen 🎶🎶
So much more than I knew about the legend that still is Bill McLaren

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Heartwarming

Was a pleasure to hear Bill McLaren's voice after many years. His autobiography is a lovely story of a passionate, warm and great icon of rugby union.

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Selfless and charismatic

Miss his commentary genius. A true professional, the likes we won’t see again. Much missed gentleman who’s attention to detail and vast amount of effort really showed in his work.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

The voice of Rugby speaks

Bill McLaren, the voice of rugby.
Read, by the great man, with both passion and humour.
A real incite into a life lived to the full, doing something he enjoyed, and getting paid!

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Inspirational

Thank you Bill for Sharing this and your Pearls of Wisdom along with your Rugby Memories ❤🏉👨‍🎓👍

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