The most famous voice in South African rugby also belongs to one of the game’s most adored elder statesmen.

Due homage will be paid to Hugh Bladen when a documentary in his name is streamed on Showmax Pro this Friday. It will premiere on SuperSport on April 2.

Appropriately titled “The Uncle – The Hugh Bladen Story”, it will chronicle the remarkable life of the  former Junior Springbok who carved out a unique place for himself in television broadcasting across four decades.

Blessed with a wonderful voice, he brought great knowledge, humour, timing and warmth to his commentaries. A famous raconteur, he also became a popular staple on the after-dinner speaking circuit and grew into “the uncle” we all know and love.

Just months ago, Bladen was a special guest in the Stormers changeroom where World Cup champions and other top players lined up to have their pictures taken with him.

“He literally has made us larger than life in people’s living rooms,” said Springbok record-breaker Bryan Habana, who enjoyed the accompaniment of Bladen’s commentary on many of his tries.

SuperSport’s Matthew Pearce, a fine commentator himself, albeit of more recent vintage, described him thus: “His voice is iconic.”