TRIBUTES have poured in to Rob Howley, the Wales and British Lions scrum half, pictured, who tomorrow makes his 59th and last appearance for Wales at the Millennium Stadium against Scotland.

Howley has announced he is quitting international rugby, giving recurring knee trouble and increasing family commitments as the reasons.

It's going to be a sentimental occasion because Howley's finale coincides with Bill McLaren's last commentary and Gregor Townsend's 66th cap, which breaks the all-time Scottish record.

Townsend was quick to praise Howley's achievements at yesterday's team announcement at Scotland's Celtic Manor headquarters.

"He has been a tremendous ambassador for Welsh rugby and he'll be a big loss," said Townsend.

Scotland coach Ian McGeechan was British Lions coach on their successful tour to South Africa in 1997 when Howley was invalided out of it.

"He has been very important to Welsh rugby and he'll be a great miss. He was a good player and a very nice person as well," said McGeechan.

"I was surprised at his decision because because he's still got a lot of good rugby in him, but it's his decision.

"There's a lot of pressure in international rugby, and a lot of hard work goes into it these days.

"I thought he might have left it a year or two, but it does take a lot out of you.

"He's been a tremendous ambassador for Welsh rugby and we were all devastated when he was injured on the 1997 tour.

"He's been one of the outstanding British scrum halves, and more than that he's a player who influences games. You don't get many of those."

Scotland captain Budge Pountney added his praise.

"Rob's been brilliant for Wales and the Lions. He was unlucky with injury in 1977 with the Lions," he said.

"But he has set the standards among scrum halves in Wales and with the Lions. He's up there with the best."

Gareth Edwards, one of the all-time great Welsh players and an illustrious predecessor of Howley, paid tribute to Howley.

"Over the last few years Rob has been as good as any scrum half in the world," said Edwards.

"He's competitive and had the best of the likes of George Gregan and Joost van der Westhuizen.

"He has that ability to spot a gap, he's quick and powerful and a handful for any back row."

Graham Henry, the last Wales coach who made Howley captain and then stripped him of the honour, added his tribute.

"Rob's been a great player for Wales and a tremendous British Lion. He's an outstanding player and probably one of the best half backs in world rugby," said Henry.

"He was captain of Wales during a memorable time for me and he should be proud of everything he's achieved in Wales."