Billy Boston to become rugby league's first knight
Billy Boston will receive rugby league's first knighthood in a special ceremony at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday.
Cardiff-born Boston, 90, blazed a trail for black sports stars during the 1950s and 1960s, making 488 appearances for Wigan and finishing his career with a British record 571 tries to his name.
Advertisement
He also became the first non-white player to represent Great Britain on a Lions tour in 1954, scoring 36 tries in 18 appearances in Australia and New Zealand, and featuring in a total of 31 international Test matches.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: '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.
'The first knighthood for a rugby league player is long overdue recognition for a game that has contributed so much to our national life. This is the moment we right a historic wrong.'
Boston made a try-scoring debut for Wigan against Barrow in November 1953, and by the time he left the club in 1968, he had played in six Challenge Cup finals at Wembley, featuring on the winning side in 1958, 1959 and 1965.
Advertisement
Wigan owner Mike Danson said he was 'thrilled' by Boston's award, describing it as 'a richly deserved honour which means this most humble of men rightly receives, at last, fitting recognition for his extraordinary efforts'.
Boston's honour followed a sustained campaign by local councillors and MPs as well as leading figures in the sport, who have frequently pointed out the relative lack of recognition for rugby league compared to union, which has seen 20 knights anointed.
Billy Boston (front row, far left) featured in six Challenge Cup finals with Wigan (PA Archive)
Rugby Football League chief executive Tony Sutton said: 'On behalf of the Rugby Football League, and the sport of rugby league, it is a privilege to congratulate Sir Billy Boston on his knighthood.
Advertisement
'Sir Billy deserves to be recognised as an iconic figure in the history of British sport, for the way he overcame prejudice in his journey from working-class Cardiff to legendary status in Wigan, and became the most prolific British try-scorer in the 130-year history of rugby league.'
The full King's Birthday Honours list is set to be announced later this week. It is understood Boston's award was brought forward due to concerns about his health.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
e.l.f. Hits the Pitch With San Diego Wave FC and Kansas City Current
Builds on the brand's multi-year engagement with the National Women's Soccer League OAKLAND, Calif., June 11, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--e.l.f. Cosmetics, a brand from e.l.f. Beauty (NYSE:ELF), scores again in its commitment to by teaming up with not one but two standout National Women's Soccer League clubs—San Diego Wave FC and Kansas City Current—through immersive, fan-first experiences that bring beauty, sport and community together. Earlier this year, e.l.f. became the first official makeup and skincare partner of the NWSL and was named Presenting Partner of the NWSL Challenge Cup through 2027. "As a brand, we don't just show up—we show up with purpose," said Patrick O'Keefe, Chief Integrated Marketing Communications Officer at e.l.f. Beauty. "Soccer in the U.S. is experiencing incredible growth, reflecting both its global popularity and cultural relevance. We're leaning in to help level the playing field and change the game for women in the sport. Teaming up with San Diego Wave and Kansas City Current for these fan-first moments—and through our partnership with the NWSL—is about more than visibility; it's about creating meaningful impact. From the players on the field to the fans in the stands, we're here to Empower. Legendary. Females. and inspire the next generation to dream bigger, play harder, and always show up as their bold, authentic selves." In San Diego, e.l.f. joins Wave FC as a Presenting Sponsor on June 22, 2025, at the Club's Pups at the Pitch match. As part of the match, Wave FC is partnering with The Animal Pad, a local dog rescue, to feature adoptable pups in-venue, including a photo moment as Wave FC players arrive to Snapdragon Stadium. Alongside the Club, e.l.f. will help shine a light on the rescue dogs — bringing to life its purpose to stand with every eye, lip, face and paw as a cruelty-free brand. Fans will have the opportunity to adopt the dogs at the match. "We're thrilled to team up with e.l.f. Cosmetics for Wave's first-ever Pups at the Pitch match and to officially kick-off their larger NWSL partnership here in San Diego. This fun and inclusive event celebrates the unique bond between our fans and their furry friends—something that aligns perfectly with e.l.f.'s bold, joyful spirit. Together, we're bringing a fresh, feel-good energy to Snapdragon Stadium and creating unforgettable matchday moments for our Wave community," said Alyssa Haynes, San Diego Wave FC Senior Director of Corporate Partnerships. On August 16, 2025, e.l.f. will head to Kansas City Stadium as the KC Currents take on Orlando Pride. "Ahead of our August 16th match against Orlando Pride, e.l.f. is partnering with the Kansas City Current to create a one-of-a-kind activation at CPKC Stadium, the first stadium in the world purpose-built for a women's professional sports team," said Kansas City Current SVP of Commercial Missy Jenkins. "We are excited to partner with an industry-leading brand that raises the bar for fans and the community. This opportunity will amplify our fan experience ahead of a great matchup on the pitch." Both matches will feature experiential, on-site activations designed to celebrate fandom and inspire the next generation of players. The e.l.f. Training Center will invite the community to test their soccer skills, recharge in a glow-up recovery area, and envision their future se.l.f. as a soccer star through a photo experience and custom trading cards. A storytelling wall will highlight iconic female soccer legends, and the events will be livestreamed on e.l.f. You!, the brand's Twitch channel. e.l.f. continues to show up in unexpected places to support women who are breaking barriers and redefining what's possible. A bold voice for women's empowerment, e.l.f. also supports the Billie Jean King Cup, Kendall Coyne Schofield and the National Women's Hockey League, professional race car driver Katherine Legge, Paralympic swimmer Anastasia Pagonis and the Wonder Women of Wrestling Varsity Tournament, among other initiatives that democratize access for all on the playing fields. About e.l.f. Cosmetics e.l.f. Beauty (NYSE: ELF) is fueled by a belief that anything is possible. We are a different kind of company that disrupts norms, shapes culture and connects communities through positivity, inclusivity and accessibility. e.l.f. Cosmetics, our global flagship brand, makes the best of beauty accessible to every eye, lip and face by bringing together the best of beauty, culture and entertainment. Our superpower is delivering universally appealing, premium quality products at accessible prices that are e.l.f. clean and vegan, all double-certified by Leaping Bunny and PETA as cruelty free. We are proud to have products made in Fair Trade Certified™ facilities. Learn more at About San Diego Wave Fútbol Club San Diego Wave Fútbol Club, founded in 2021, competes in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). Since its inception, the Wave has quickly emerged as one of the premier clubs in global women's soccer - setting the NWSL single-game attendance record, reaching the playoffs in its inaugural season, and capturing its first trophy with the 2023 NWSL Supporters Shield. In 2024, the Club continued to make history, ranking #2 worldwide in women's soccer attendance. Committed to excellence on the pitch and impact off it, the Wave is deeply rooted in the San Diego community and proudly led by the Leichtman Levine Family. The team plays its home matches at Snapdragon Stadium, a state-of-the-art venue in the heart of the city. For more information, visit About the Kansas City Current Founded in December 2020, the Kansas City Current is led by the ownership group of Angie Long, Chris Long, Brittany Mahomes and Patrick Mahomes. The team competes in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). The Kansas City Current plays its home matches at CPKC Stadium, the first stadium purpose-built for a professional women's sports team. Named The Most Ambitious NWSL Club for two consecutive seasons by ESPN, the Current is proud of its many precedent-setting accomplishments. To receive updates on the Current, visit About National Women's Soccer League The National Women's Soccer League is the premier women's professional soccer league in the world featuring national team players from around the globe. The clubs are Angel City FC, Bay FC, Boston, Chicago Stars FC, Houston Dash, Kansas City Current, NJ/NY Gotham FC, North Carolina Courage, Orlando Pride, Portland Thorns FC, Racing Louisville FC, San Diego Wave FC, Seattle Reign FC, Utah Royals FC, and Washington Spirit. View source version on Contacts e.l.f BeautyLaura CosgraveLcosgrave@ San Diego Wave FCJustyne Freudjfreud@ Kansas City CurrentDani National Women's Soccer LeagueMadelyn FlaxMflax@ Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Brent Rooker breaks up no-no with RBI double
Marco Sturm introduced as Boston Bruins head coach; shares his vision and goals for team The Boston Bruins formally introduced Marco Sturm as the 30th head coach in franchise history on Tuesday. Watch his full press conference where Sturm charts out his vision for the team, and GM Don Sweeney discusses how he landed on Sturm as the team's next head coach. 47:20 Now Playing Paused Ad Playing
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Red Sox's Alex Cora Calls Out Umpires Over Poor Call 'That Pitch Was a Ball'
Red Sox's Alex Cora Calls Out Umpires Over Poor Call 'That Pitch Was a Ball' originally appeared on Athlon Sports. After the Boston Red Sox lost to the Tampa Bay Rays, there was a lot of frustration. It was an extra-inning thriller, but the Red Sox fell to the Rays after a terrible call had a huge impact on the game. Advertisement Late in the game, the Red Sox were in a precarious situation. With runners on first and second, and one out, in a two-run game, Romy Gonzalez watched a low pitch go by and began his trot to first for the walk. However, despite the pitch being below the strike zone on the TV broadcast, home plate umpire Junior Valentine called it a strike. Gonzalez was out, Cora was heated, and shortly thereafter was ejected. After the game, Cora called out the umpires for their poor strike-three call. "It was a ball," Cora said. "That pitch was a ball. It was down. He (Valentine) was really good, actually, during the day. But it was down." Advertisement A huge reason why that pitch was especially frustrating was in the prior half-inning, in the top of the 11th, Red Sox reliever Zack Kelly threw a pitch in the same area, and it was called a ball. Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora reacts after a strikeout during the eleventh inning of a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Fluharty-Imagn Images The Rays benefitted both times from Valentine's decision, and while not the sole reason for the Red Sox's loss, it was a huge part in the outcome of the game. Despite the high energy from Roman Anthony's MLB debut, the Red Sox fell to the Rays in a tough loss following a bad call from the umpire. Cora's message wasn't too inflammatory. While he called out Valentine for the missed call, he also complimented him for his performance throughout the previous ten innings. Advertisement With how umpires aren't afraid of holding a grudge against players, teams, and managers, Cora's praise of Valentine isn't out of the ordinary. Instead of blasting Valentine, his complaint was a reasonable one, expressed clearly and respectfully. The Red Sox will not have to see Valentine behind the plate again in the series against the Rays, but will look to rebound from a crushing extra-inning loss to the Rays. Related: Top Red Sox Prospect Roman Anthony Breaks Silence Amid MLB Debut Related: Marcelo Mayer Shares Heartwarming Reaction Amid Red Sox Roman Anthony Decision This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 10, 2025, where it first appeared.