Former British & Irish Lions skipper Gavin Hastings has thrown his weight behind an internet campaign to get legendary commentator Bill McLaren knighted.

A Facebook group called 'Knighthood for Bill McLaren' was set up by Watsonians club coach Bruce Aitchison has already attracted nearly 5,000 people.

McLaren, 86, was known as the 'voice of rugby' for his commentating career that spanned 50 years for the BBC and was the first non-playing member to be inducted into the IRB?s Hall of Fame.

And Hastings, who made 61 appearances for Scotland, believes a knighthood would be fitting tribute for McLaren's service to rugby.

He said: "Bill would not never do anything to promote himself in anyway so I am delighted this campaign has been set up to get him the recognition he so richly deserves.

"You will rarely meet a more humble and lovely man as Bill. I can truly say I have been honoured to know him on a personal as well as professional basis.

"You cannot underestimate his contribution to rugby. Even people who didn't like rugby at all would instantly recognise his voice.

"He had such a command of the English language and brilliant turn of phase in contrast to many of today's commentators.

"He was responsible for bringing rugby into so many people's homes but the amazing thing is he will never realise what a star he actually was."