gg2
Burnham mourns rugby league legend Billy Boston
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Rugby league great Sir Billy Boston died aged 92, four days after his wife's funeral. He was the first rugby league player knighted, scoring nearly 500 tries.
Background
Sir Billy Boston was a legendary rugby league player, primarily for Wigan Warriors, where he scored almost 500 tries. He represented Great Britain 32 times and was part of the squad that won the Rugby League World Cup in 1960. Last year, he became the first rugby league player to receive a knighthood. His death was confirmed by the Welsh Rugby Union, and tributes have come from figures like Andy Burnham.
How it unfolded
- Nov 1953Boston scored on his debut for Wigan, beginning a prolific career.
- 1960He was a member of the Great Britain squad that won the Rugby League World Cup for the first time.
- 2025Boston became the first rugby league player to be awarded a knighthood.
- Aug 25, 2026Boston died overnight in hospital in Wigan, four days after the funeral of his wife, Lady Joan.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- The Welsh Rugby Union confirmed his passing, calling him 'one of the best loved and most iconic figures in the history of Welsh sport.'
- Public
- Andy Burnham said he was 'heartbroken' to learn of Boston's death, just days after his wife's funeral.