Sir Billy Boston, rugby league legend and first knight, dies aged 92

Sir Billy Boston, the legendary rugby league player and the first person from the sport to receive a knighthood, has died at the age of 92. He passed away peacefully in a hospital in Wigan, his home for the last 74 years, just four days after the funeral of his wife of 70 years, Lady Joan Boston.

Born in Cardiff, Boston became a superstar after switching from rugby union to rugby league in 1953. During his 15 seasons with the Wigan Warriors, he scored 478 tries in 488 appearances, a club record. His career total of 571 tries is second only to Brian Bevan in rugby league history.

Boston was a trailblazer for Black athletes in British sport. He was the first non-white player to represent Great Britain on a Lions tour, scoring 36 tries during the 1954 tour of Australia and New Zealand. In 2025, he was knighted by King Charles III in recognition of his extraordinary career and impact on the game.

Tributes have been paid by the Wigan Warriors, the Welsh Rugby Union, and political figures, including Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who described him as a ‘giant of a man.’ Wigan Warriors have announced plans to pay tribute to him ahead of their upcoming match against Hull KR.