The rugby league community is grieving the passing of one of its most influential figures. Sir Billy Boston, the Welsh-born winger who made history as the first rugby league player to be knighted, has passed away at 92.
Born in Tiger Bay, Cardiff, in 1934, Boston began his athletic career in rugby union but was not signed by his local team.
This setback prompted his switch to Wigan in 1953 when he was only 19 years old.
That transition became one of the sport's most significant decisions.
During his time at Wigan in the 1950s and 1960s, he scored an impressive 478 tries in 488 games, holding the British record with a total of 571 tries and assisting Wigan in winning three Challenge Cups and the Championship.
He also played for Blackpool from 1969 to 1970 before hanging up his boots.
Just a year after joining Wigan, Boston earned a spot on the Great Britain team, making him the first non-white player to tour with the squad as they faced Australia and New Zealand.
He scored 36 tries in 18 games during the 1954 Lions tour and is celebrated as a pioneer for non-white athletes during a time when such chances were scarce.
In June 2025, Boston again made headlines by becoming the first rugby league player to receive a knighthood, finally achieving what was termed a 130-year wait for the sport.