BILLY Boston, the Welsh winger who became a legend in rugby league, has died. He was 92.
Wigan, where Boston played 488 games in a career that earned him a knighthood in 2025, announced his loss on Tuesday morning.
“Sir Billy Boston sadly passed away peacefully earlier today, surrounded by his closest family,” the club said.
“This news comes just weeks after the Boston family announced the passing of Lady Joan Boston, his devoted wife, and days after her funeral.”
Boston signed with Wigan as a 19-year-old in 1953 after being overlooked by his local rugby union club in Cardiff.
In 1954 he became the first black player to tour with the Lions and scored 100 tries in his first 68 games of league.
He scored in Great Britain’s 1960 World Cup final win over Australia at Odsal Stadium.
Boston was inducted into the Hall Of Fame in 1988 and is one of five players honoured by the rugby league statue at Wembley.
There is also a statue in his honour by Cardiff Bay.
Awarded an MBE in 1986, he was diagnosed with dementia two years ago.
