Sir Billy Boston receives rugby league's first knighthood in private ceremony
One of the greatest ever players in the 130-year history of the sport, Sir Billy Boston received the honour from King Charles in a private ceremony at Buckingham Palace
Billy Boston - a trailblazer for black sports stars in the 1950s and 60s - has received rugby league's first knighthood. One of the greatest ever players in the 130-year history of the sport, Sir Billy received the honour from King Charles in a private ceremony at Buckingham Palace. Sir Billy scored 478 tries in 488 matches for Wigan after making the switch from rugby union in 1953.
In 1954, he made history as the first non-white player to be selected for a Great Britain rugby league Lions tour. He scored 36 tries in 18 appearances around Australia and New Zealand, including a then-record four in one match against the Kiwis.
Sir Billy made two more Lions tours in 1958 and 1962 and ended with 24 tries in 31 Test appearances for Great Britain. The 90-year-old, who was born in Wales, revealed in 2016 that he was living with vascular dementia.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said it was a 'historic wrong' that no rugby league player had been knighted before. He said: 'Billy Boston is a true trailblazer whose contributed hugely to rugby league. It is a historic wrong that a sport which is the backbone of so many communities has waited so long to receive this honour.
'Boston is a legend of the game who overcame prejudice to represent Great Britain and opened the door to a more diverse game. He's left a truly enduring legacy and the first knighthood in rugby league could not go to a more deserving player.'
It is understood the Prime Minister has written to Sir Billy to congratulate him on the honour. Speaking after his father was knighted, Sir Billy's son Stephen said: 'It's a really great honour. I think it has come a little bit late. It could have come a little bit earlier.
'It should have been a lot, a lot sooner, 130 years before a rugby league player got knighted. We're all really appreciative and very appreciative of all the support we've got from Wigan the rugby league club, the local MP and all the fans.'
His wife, Joan Boston, said: 'Billy's family are so proud of him and so excited that everything he's done for the sport and for our community is being recognised. He is a wonderful person who has always loved rugby league and all of the people involved in the sport.
'We were very moved to see local councillors, the MP and so many local people supporting the campaign to make this happen. I hope this inspires more young people to get involved in rugby league and to cheer on their players.'
Sir Billy's knighthood comes after a campaign by local councillors, MPs and leading figures in the sport to get him honoured.
They have highlighted the lack of recognition for the code - played largely in the north of England - compared to rugby union, which has seen 20 knights anointed.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons and former president of the Rugby Football League, said: 'Billy is a rugby league legend and his name is synonymous with the sport, having played for Wigan, as well as representing Great Britain.
'Billy was one of the 'codebreakers' from the Cardiff Bay area, who took the brave decision to switch from rugby union to rugby league - and faced hostility and prejudice as a result. However, his courage not only inspired future rugby greats to switch codes but it also encouraged generations of youngsters to take up the sport.
'Billy's strong running style, pace and agility were feared and admired by supporters and opponents alike and he remains Wigan's top try scorer to this day.
'He was a pioneer in the 1950s when he switched codes and is a pioneer to this day by ensuring rugby league gets the recognition it deserves. His story shows there should be no barriers to achieving your potential and that is what makes the knighthood so fitting.'
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the first knighthood for a rugby league player was a 'long overdue recognition for a game that has contributed so much to our national life'.
The Wigan MP added: 'Billy Boston's knighthood is a historic milestone, providing fitting recognition for the greatest player rugby league has ever seen.
'As MP for Wigan, this is a proud day for our town, for the Welsh nation, for rugby league fans across the country and, most importantly, for Billy and his family.
'I'd like to pay tribute to the RFL, the Rugby League APPG and all those who have campaigned for this moment - and to Billy himself whose extraordinary talent and remarkable achievements have inspired generations and will continue to do so for many years to come.'
Wales rugby league posted their congratulations, writing: 'Llongyfarchiadau Billy Boston. We are delighted that he is to be made a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire and become Sir William John Boston KBE.
'It is a well-deserved honour for the second highest try scorer in rugby league history.'
Wales Rugby League President, Mike Nicholas MBE, said: 'It's wonderful for Billy and for the sport of rugby league, it's a first for our sport and there's no-one who deserves it more than Billy. It's brilliant that he's going to be honoured in this way, massive congratulations to him.'
Wigan Warriors posted: 'Everybody at Wigan Warriors is today filled with joy at the news that Billy Boston, Wigan's greatest player, will be made a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire and becomes Sir William John Boston KBE.'
Wigan owner Mike Danson said: 'One of the biggest thrills in my ownership of Wigan Rugby League Club has been enjoying the company of Billy Boston. Without doubt Billy was a player who was - and still is - the biggest crowd favourite in rugby league.
'He is my mum Jean's favourite player - they are of the same age! She remains in awe of the great man and his rugby league legacy - not least his 478 tries in 487 magical games for the club.
'I am therefore thrilled that at long last, Billy will be appointed as rugby league's first Knight. A richly deserved honour which means this most humble of men, rightly receives at last, fitting recognition for his extraordinary efforts.
'Many congratulations to Billy, his wife Joan and the family on this magnificent achievement.'
Billy was born on August 6, 1934, the sixth child of 11 to an Irish mother, Nellie, and a father from Sierra Leone, John. They lived in Butetown, Tiger Bay, Cardiff.
After leaving school he worked in a factory making rubber dinghies and parachutes - but after his speed and rugby talents were spotted by 17 he was playing for the Cardiff International Athletic Club.
He was called up for military service in 1952 where he played rugby union for the Royal Signals. But with rugby league clubs circling he signed for Wigan on Friday March 13, 1953, after the club paid £3,000 for his signature.
He was a club legend for 15 seasons, playing his last game in April 1968. During his time there he won seven major honours.
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