Rugby league legend Sir Billy Boston dies aged 92

Trailblazing rugby league player Sir Billy Boston has died at the age of 92; He was the first ever rugby league player to receive a knighthood, ending a 130-year wait for such an honour; He was also the first Black player to represent Great Britain

Back in June 2025, Boston received rugby league's first ever knighthood, ending a 130-year wait for such an honour.

Boston blazed a trail for Black sports stars during the 1950s and 1960s, making 488 appearances for Wigan and finishing his career with a British-record 571 tries.

He also became the first non-white player to represent Great Britain on a Lions tour in 1954, scoring 36 tries in 18 appearances in Australia and New Zealand, and featuring in a total of 31 international Test matches.

Boston made a try-scoring debut for Wigan against Barrow in November 1953, and by the time he left the club in 1968, he had played in six Challenge Cup finals at Wembley, featuring on the winning side in 1958, 1959 and 1965.

"In 1953 he played his first game at Wigan and he became my hero, then my team mate then my friend for 60-odd years.

"I treasure the time I had with Billy - a brilliant player on the field and even better person off the field."

"From a working class lad in Cardiff to the King of Wigan - that is Sir Billy Boston."

"When the Wigan representatives stood in the Boston household in Tiger Bay, Cardiff in 1953 and offered Billy a career in rugby league in the North of England it was Billy's mother who told him in no uncertain terms that he would be taking the offer.

"We all have Mrs Boston to thank for giving rugby league one of its finest ever. Billy glowed greatness.

"I have listened to the hardest of rugby league men from Billy's era talk about his presence on the field. The hulking figure they dare not get angry.

"A sensational try scorer who could handle himself if and when the game got physical. Thanks for everything you gave people Billy."

On August 6 1934 in Cardiff, Billy Boston was born to his father John, a seaman from Sierra Leone and his mother Nellie, from the city's Irish community.

Primarily a winger and centre, Boston's rugby career began in the 15-player code in which he represented Wales at youth level.