Sir Billy Boston dies at 92: Rugby league legend honored with tributes

Sir Billy Boston, Rugby League Legend, took his last breath on Tuesday at the age of 92.

The Welsh Rugby Union confirmed the news of Boston’s death, announcing, “Sir Billy Boston, one of the best loved and most iconic figures in the history of Welsh sport, has passed away peacefully at the age of 92.”

“The most famous son of Tiger Bay, he died overnight in hospital in his adopted home for the past 74 years, Wigan. His death came only four days after the funeral of his wife, Lady Joan, to whom he had been married for 70 years.”

Sir Billy Boston was the first Rugby league player who received the award of knighthood last year. He played for Wigan from 1952 to 1968, scoring an extraordinary 478 tries in 488 appearances and helping them win three Challenge Cups and the Championship.

Boston is second only to Brian Bevan for the most tries in rugby league history as he represented Great Britain 32 times while scoring 25 tries. He also won the 1960 Rugby League World Cup.

Initially awarded an MBE in 1996, he received a knighthood for services to rugby league in 2025, which then-prime minister Keir Starmer called correcting a "historic wrong."

After moving from Wales in 1953, he lived in Wigan for the rest of his life. The stands are also named after him at Central Park and the Brick Community Stadium.

Tributes pour in

Wigan’s owner Mike Danson also paid tribute, “Billy Boston was everybody’s hero, including my mum’s. His achievements in rugby league were extraordinary, and his knighthood was a fitting recognition of a career that brought great credit to Wigan and to the game.”

“But Billy’s legacy was not simply what he achieved. It was the humility with which he carried it. Despite everything he accomplished, he remained a quiet, dignified and deeply respected man. He leaves behind an example that will endure for generations.”

Leeds Rhinos said, "On behalf of everyone at Leeds Rhinos we would like to express our condolences to the family and friends of Sir Billy Boston, who has passed away aged 92."

"A true legend of our game who will never be forgotten. Our thoughts are with the Wigan WarriorsRL, family and all who knew him."

Paul Kendrick ,deputy sports editor, said, “RIP Sir Billy...born in South Wales, but will forever be regarded as Mr Wigan. Thanks for the memories”