The MP for Cardiff West, Kevin Brennan, has called upon his colleagues in Parliament to celebrate the career of Bill McLaren, the veteran BBC rugby commentator, who is to retire later this year after fifty years of broadcasting, at the age of 78. Mr McLaren first commentated on BBC radio in 1952, covering South of Scotland's encounter with South Africa for an audition. Since then, on both the radio and, from 1962, on the television, McLaren has become one of the most distinctive voices in broadcasting.

Tabling a motion in the House of Commons, Mr Brennan has asked his fellow MPs to join him in paying ‘tribute to the massive contribution Bill McLaren has made to the popularity of rugby union over the past 50 years of service, and the joy he has bought to millions with his unique, colourful and fair minded commentary of the game.'

Speaking last night, Mr Brennan paid tribute to Mr McLaren's career. ‘Bill McLaren has had an enormous impact on the course of rugby union since the Second World War, inspiring countless thousands, in England, Ireland, Scotland and in Wales, to play and watch the game. As a rule, I am not a supporter of the honours system, but in this case I would be more than happy to make an exception for Sir Bill McLaren. Although saddened by the news that Bill will be turning off his microphone at the end of this year's Six Nation's Championship, I am immensely proud that his final match will be Wales v. Scotland, held at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. Hopefully, the Welsh will give him the send off he deserves.'