Where are they now? Rugby commentator Hugh Bladen

Veteran rugby commentator Hugh Bladen is healthy and in good spirits after suffering two strokes back in October 2021.

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The 78-year-old legend recently moved to Cape Town with his wife to stay with his daughter after his health scare.

According to The South African’s Mubeen Mohamed, in a recent interview with Bush Radio, “Blades”, who is a popular figure in the sports media industry in South Africa and in particular rugby circles, spoke about his legendary career as a commentator and broadcaster.

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He also shed some light about his health scare and also touched on the current state of rugby in South Africa.

Blades, who attended King Edward VII High School (KES) in Johannesburg, has been a rugby commentator since 1976.

He worked for the SABC until 1994 before moving over to SuperSport.

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He has covered 27 Curie Cup finals behind the microphone and played rugby as a flyhalf back in the day for then Transvaal and the Junior Springboks.

‘You have to love what you do’ – Hugh Bladen

In the interview, Bladen was asked what his secret was to being a commentator for such a long period of time.

“I have been fortunate in my life to be involved in rugby as a player, broadcaster, master of ceremonies and even a panelist for many awards given to players.

“My secret has always been that you have to love what you do firstly, the passion must be there.

“Secondly, I have been surrounded by some really excellent colleagues who encouraged me to be a broadcaster when I was at the SABC initially when I started and then at SuperSport.

“Finally, humility, it is the cornerstone to all my success that I have achieved.”

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Bladen then touched on his health.

“I suffered two strokes back in October 2021, I have done all the rehabilitation and recovered well, a big thanks to my wife and all the staff at the hospital who took the time out to look after me in this difficult period.

“I do have a bit of a speech problem, with slow speech and I have lost some of my memory, but overall I’m grateful to be walking again, healthy and I’m alive.’’

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The veteran broadcaster then explained that he has moved to Cape Town to live with his daughter in Pinelands the southern suburbs and is in good spirits.

Bladen then offered his thoughts on the current state of South African rugby, suggesting it is in a “very strong position at the moment”.

“We have the most talented players in this country at all levels from schoolboys to the Springboks. We also have the best coaches and we are just a rugby mad nation.’’

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He then went on to wish the Springboks well for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France later this year and believes the team can go all the way and repeat their 2019 triumph.

‘UNBELIEVABLE’

Bladen will go down as one the best rugby commentators the world has ever listened to, with his famous word “Unbelievable” and his deep passion for the sport.

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The rugby world will forever cherish his in-depth knowledge of players, the stories of classic matches and his travelling diaries that stretch from World Cups, end of year tours and to local South African rugby.

“Blades” is someone that rugby fans have grown up with and idolised. He will never be forgotten and his legacy will always remain in South African and world rugby.  

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