Bill McLaren has been the voice of rugby for the BBC for almost 50 years.

He retired from his role as chief commentator for the Six Nations earlier this year.

But he still has the same passion for rugby union now as did when he first began following the game as a six-year-old.

He tells BBC Sport Academy about how he first got behind the microphone, his mistakes and how you can follow in his footsteps.

Introduction

The early years

My preparations

The odd mistake

Bill McLaren factfile

Lives: Hawick, Scotland BBC Radio debut: 1953 Scotland 0-12 Wales BBC TV debut: 1959 Football team supported: Aberdeen Hobbies: Playing a round of golf every day