Rugby league star Sir Billy Boston's knighthood ‘a little bit late', says son
Sir Billy, who scored 478 tries in 488 matches for Wigan after making the switch from rugby union in 1953, was knighted by the King in a private ceremony at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday.
The 90-year-old, who was born in Wales, revealed in 2016 that he was living with vascular dementia.
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.'
Sir Billy's knighthood was awarded before the latest round of honours has been publicly announced amid concerns for his health.
It comes after a campaign by local councillors, MPs and leading figures in the sport to get him honoured – and Sir Billy's family were supported by Josh Simons, the MP for Wakerfield, near Wigan, at the event.
'It should have been a lot, a lot sooner,' Sir Billy's son told the PA news agency.
'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.'
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.
In 1954, he made history as the first non-white player to be selected for a Great Britain rugby league Lions tour, scoring 36 tries in 18 appearances around Australia and New Zealand, including a then-record four in one match against the Kiwis.
He made two more Lions tours in 1958 and 1962 and ended with 24 tries in 31 Test appearances for Great Britain.
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.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scotsman
an hour ago
- Scotsman
Scotland 2050: Just what can we do to tackle the country's problems?
PA Today's younger workers have been betrayed by those who prefer to exercise power for the sake of it, rather than risk unpopularity by asking where scarce resources should be prioritised Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... In 1945, Labour Leader Clement Attlee placed before a victorious but war torn nation, a prospectus to forge a new Britain in the post war world. He defeated Winston Churchill in a landslide General Election victory and set about enacting his party's manifesto which was titled, 'Let Us Face the Future'. That Government extended the boundaries of public ownership, embedded a new National Health Service, established the building blocks of a Welfare State and gave practical meaning to what would become a benign but enduring social democracy. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Not until Mrs Thatcher liberalised markets and privatised key industries, did the Attlee settlement come under any serious attack. And, even although the parameters of the post war settlement were redefined by Margaret Thatcher, much of the central tenets were to endure. Eighty years after the building of the new Jerusalem, politicians at both Holyrood and Westminster are grappling to deal with a host of new problems, many created by the successes of the post war consensus. People are living longer, the range of drugs and operations available has transformed lives, the notion of 'cradle to grave' welfare has expanded to deliver a huge social security bill and projections of eye watering demands to pay for future pensions and social care. The truth is that the Attlee revolution stalled some time ago, financially groaning under the sheer weight of demand for more spending and turbo charged by a demographic time bomb which exploded as the political classes fashioned policies to deal with the short term demands of the electoral cycle. The underlying structural challenges and increasing unaffordability of 'welfare without end' has been ignored. On the 17th June, a conference at the Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh will ponder the challenges and issues that will look at 'Scotland 2050, Scotland's Future'. An alternative name for the gathering of political, business, and civic leaders could well be, 'Let Us Face the Future'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Bernard Ponsonby | contributed I will have the pleasure of chairing the day and help tease out just exactly what our leaders plan to do to solve issues which, in part, help explain the genesis of some voters abandoning the mainstream parties. Many on the political right of course, believe the problem lies in the fact the Attlee revolution has never been properly dismantled and argue that what is needed is an aggressive dis-membering of the state, a more market focussed view of delivery and a determination to simply limit welfare to those who genuinely can't work. They would argue that what is needed is 'Attlee in reverse' and a diet version of state intervention. That prospectus is more Nigel Farage than mainstream Conservative. And indeed, with issues like furlough and subsidising energy bills, the last Conservative government was arguably the most interventionist since Attlee. Scotland seems a slave to social democratic instinct and yet its proponents (Labour, SNP and Lib Dem) seem incapable of moving on from the traditional model of delivery: tax to spend and tax more to spend more. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It was evident some time ago that this model is bust and in the absence of economic growth, the policies that were born of social democratic instinct became unaffordable. But how do they become sustainable? That is one question that this conference will try and answer. A crisis in the NHS, the Housing Sector, an exploding bill for welfare and pensions, and an acceptance of inter-generational unfairness as the baby boomers enjoy the fruits of the Attlee revolution, denied to their children and absolutely denied to their grandchildren. An inertia of thought and of a tendency to park and then ignore tough decisions have led to today's generation being denied the benefits some of us took for granted, like student grants, subsidised mortgages, affordable housing, and decent pension provision. Today's younger workers have been betrayed by those who prefer to exercise power for the sake of it, rather than risk unpopularity by asking where scarce resources should be prioritised and channelled. I will want to ask in the question and answer sessions, why it is that this was allowed to happen and more importantly, what our leaders intend to do about it? The conference will hear from some key figures: John Swinney, Anas Sarwar, Alex Cole-Hamilton, Kate Forbes, Jeane Freeman, Willie Rennie, Paul Sweeney, and Mairi Spowage from the Fraser of Allender Institute, to list just a few. It will tackle key themes: Building a resilient economy; Scotland's clean energy and tackling the country's housing crisis.
Scotsman
an hour ago
- Scotsman
Reflections on populism, as Tory political black hole puts democracy at risk
PA Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Putting Nigel Farage back in his box may require more than just exposing the shortcomings of populist leaders now causing electoral upsets and mayhem throughout Western democracies. The Hamilton by-election produced a Labour victory. The SNP identified the wrong opponent and lost. The Tories just collapsed. The Reform Party though, confirmed the danger that they pose to our country courtesy of an electoral system built for another age and a political black hole created by 14 years of a soulless and reckless Tory Government. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Hidden from public view until polling day in Scotland, populism, a seemingly innocuous term and very much of English origin, via UKIP and the Brexit party, has now emerged as a frightening reminder of a political idea which is now tearing America apart and overwhelming any idea of democracy and justice. The Scottish by-election and the recent elections in England should be a wake up call for the traditional or progressive parties in the UK who are in need themselves of 'reform' based on a deeper understanding of a changing electorate. The political black hole left by the last Tory Government, reflects their running of Britain into the ground, souring the mood of electors and paving the way for populism to take hold. What is crucial, is not just the austerity, national decline, diminishing expectations, economic stagnation and the savaging of the public realm , but the erosion of trust and respect for politics resulting in a bitter, angry, insecure electorate exhibiting all the signs of low mood, a negative psyche, and a political Zeitgeist requiring a new spirit for a new age refurbishing our beliefs, attitudes, feelings and values, a new driving force reflecting new concerns and aspirations of a different future. This is vital if we are to deal with the much more frightening and damaging legacy. Rachel Reeves successfully used the term, financial black hole to fix in the minds of electors the extent of the financial carnage facing the new Government. Progressives now need to use and understand the term, 'political black hole' if we are to confront the crisis in our politics, and the stress being imposed upon our democracy. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Sounds alarmist but there is evidence everywhere of complacency and the familiar refrain of 'it couldn't happen here' despite populism and authoritarianism finding expression today in the form of American troops on the streets of Los Angeles. We need a vision of the future that inspires and offers solutions to our more intractable problems and restores trust in our politics and politicians. Any sense of alienation can find a home in Populist parties. For progressive parties, a period of reflection would make more sense than being tempted to drift to the right and compete with the divisive ideas of the Reform Party. The 'scunner' factor is creating doubts about the relevance of our traditional politics to the daily lives of electors. Entertaining the idea of a cult leader should be deeply offensive to supporters of democracy. Deep seams of discontent could be easily mined, by Farage who is the consummate opportunist, a predator circling for political prey. There are however other issues which may more reliably explain our vulnerable democracy and the ramshackle nature of our electoral system. Evidence abounds of an ancient electoral system not fit for modern day purposes and an electorate weary and dissatisfied with political outcomes. Too often we cast electors in a series of political dramas but they feel sidelined in what should be about them and at times feeling more like the victims of politics not the beneficiaries. Policies often lack stories or messaging or relevance of where people fit in? The discourse at Westminster is often perceived as too complex, technocratic, managerial, London centric, and lost in complex issues such as AI, Growth, Gender and GDP where a lack of inclusive or illustrative narratives are alienating people. Westminster is making few concessions to the idea of four nation politics. And we still live in an over centralised Union. The missteps by the Government in its early stages undoubtedly undermined the Labour Party creed and brand. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad There are however deep seated long term issues that must be addressed, in particular the voting system. The 'First past the Post,' method of electing MPs is antiquated and undemocratic and could be a dangerous entry vehicle for populists. In July 2024, the Labour government was elected with a landslide of 412 MPs out of the total number of 650 MPs in the House of Commons. But this was achieved with only 9.7 million votes out of a total of 48 million people in the UK registered and eligible to vote. Labour gained 20 per cent of the total eligible vote and 30 percent of those who did vote: this means that nearly 40 million people didn't vote Labour or didn't bother to vote! Reform won 5 seats, with over 4 million votes the Conservative party with nearly 7 million votes won 121 seats. Our electoral process can deliver a huge majority of seats in the House of Commons on the back of a minority of voters in the country. None of this makes sense and remains a key issue in our weakening democracy. Westminster represents constituencies but doesn't reflect the people. It provides a reminder of what a party like Reform could achieve, with a deeply divided country, the collapse of Tory party and a fragile and less trusting electorate. This is why progressive parties must build consensus politics. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Turnout also matters. The 2024 Westminster election turnout of 59.4 was the second lowest since 1918. A record high of 83.9% was achieved in 1950. The Scottish Parliament by-election in Hamilton had a turnout of 44.2 percent of those eligible to vote. For some this was a decent outcome but surely after an intensely fought campaign, a figure of nearly 60 percent not bothering to vote is an indictment of a failed voting and political system and ultimately our democracy. Our electoral system favours the two main parties. What is happening in Europe requires a wake up call to recognise that populism inevitably leads to authoritarianism, and a threat to
South Wales Argus
5 hours ago
- South Wales Argus
Welsh Rugby Union pays tribute to Sir Billy Boston
The 90-year-old rugby legend was awarded a knighthood in the King's Birthday Honours, becoming the first player from the rugby league code to receive the honour. Born in Cardiff's Tiger Bay, Sir Billy was also a pioneer in rugby union, becoming the first black player to represent Wales in a representative side. Abi Tierney, chief executive of the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), said: "The WRU is delighted to join in the celebrations of the honour bestowed on Sir Billy Boston. "His playing achievements in rugby league speak for themselves and he was a hugely promising rugby union player in his youth. "He has been a magnificent ambassador for both his sport, his 'home' city of Cardiff and for his adopted home of Wigan. "He was a trailblazer in his day and remains one of the greatest names in Welsh sporting history." Sir Billy's rugby journey began at Cardiff Schools U15, where he won the Dewar Shield in 1949. The team included future Wales captain Lloyd Williams and heavyweight boxing champion Joe Erskine. At 17, he captained the Boys Clubs of Wales in a 32-0 win over England in February 1952, scoring 17 points, including a hat-trick of tries. He later played for Neath and Pontypridd before beginning his national service. In March 1952, he was capped by the Wales Youth team and became the first black player to represent Wales at any level in rugby union. Despite never playing for Cardiff's senior side, Sir Billy's talent drew attention. After a standout performance for the Cardiff & District XV against Cardiff, Western Mail journalist JBG Thomas wrote: "The District had a splendid centre in W Boston, who should be in the Cardiff Athletic XV." Instead, Sir Billy turned professional at 18, signing a £3,000 contract with Wigan on March 13, 1953. During national service at Catterick, he starred for the Royal Signals XV, scoring six tries in the 1953 Army Cup Final and four in the Army's 1954 win over the Territorial Army. Rugby writer Pat Marshall of the Daily Express wrote at the time: "If he had not signed professional forms he must have been in the current Welsh Rugby Union side. "Quite simply, he is one of the greatest running back I have seen." Sir Billy made his Wigan first team debut on November 21, 1953, against Barrow, scoring the first of his 478 tries in 488 appearances for the club. He went on to score two tries in his second game, three in his third, and four in his fourth. In 1954, he became the youngest player to tour Australia with Great Britain, scoring 36 tries in 18 games, including seven hat-tricks. He also became the first black player to tour Australasia with the team. Sir Billy remains a towering figure in the sport, inducted into the British Rugby League Hall of Fame, the Welsh Sports Hall of Fame, and the Wigan Warriors Hall of Fame. He was made an MBE in 1996 for services to the community in Wigan. Statues in his honour stand at Wembley, Wigan, and Cardiff Bay. He twice topped the rugby league try-scoring charts, scoring 60 tries in the 1956-57 season. Sir Billy won the Challenge Cup three times, and in the 1960 Championship final, scored twice to help Wigan secure their first title in eight years.
