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Rugby bursary recognises Bill McLaren's legacy

BBC The late rugby commentator Bill McLaren in glasses with a big tartan scarf wrapped around his neckBBC
Bill McLaren became known as the voice of rugby over his 50-year career

A new bursary to help young rugby players has been set up in honour of the man who became the voice of the sport.

The Bill McLaren Foundation (BMF) scheme will see up to four female and four male players receive a share of £30,000.

It aims to allow them to dedicate more time to their rugby in order to achieve their ambitions.

Former Scotland captain Rory Lawson, who is Bill's grandson, said the partnership with Scottish Rugby was "incredibly meaningful".

Scottish Rugby A woman in a dark blue jacket and white blouse with reddish blonde hair stands between a man with greying hair and a beard in a blue zip up top and a younger man with spiky blond hair in a blue top and jeans. They are in a recreation of Bill McLaren's old research roomScottish Rugby
Alan, Linda and Rory Lawson welcomed the bursary in honour of their relative

Bill McLaren's career behind the microphone began with BBC radio in 1953 and he went on to become one of the most recognisable voices in the game over the next five decades.

Following his death in 2010, the BMF was formed by former friends and colleagues in his hometown of Hawick.

"Papa dedicated his life not just to rugby as a broadcaster, but to the people in it," said his grandson Rory.

"He was a teacher at heart, and he believed greatly in nurturing talent with encouragement and purpose.

"For Scottish Rugby to embrace this vision and help create a pathway for the next generation of Scottish rugby players, especially those who may need a little extra support, makes our family immensely proud and we're honoured that his name continues to inspire and open doors for others."

Alan Lawson said his late father-in-law was not just a "legendary commentator" he was also a "committed teacher and mentor".

"He always said the game was about more than just what happened on the pitch - it's about character, respect and community," he said.

"This bursary will encourage home grown talent to actualise their dreams and potential - exactly the kind of legacy he would be proud of."

Bill's daughter, Linda Lawson, said it was "very exciting" to see the bursary set up in her father's name.

"He believed passionately in encouraging young people and instilling the values of respect, discipline, and sportsmanship that define the game at its best," she said.

"This bursary is a beautiful way to carry forward his legacy — not only his love for rugby, but his belief in its power to shape lives."

The initial bursary scheme will run for the first time in the 2025/26 season.