Rugby league legend Sir Billy Boston dies

Rugby league legend Sir Billy Boston has died at the age of 92.

Sir Billy made history when he became the first black player to compete for the Lions, when he was selected by Great Britain for their tour of Australia and New Zealand in 1954. He was also rugby league's first knight.

The Cardiff-born former Great Britain winger grew up playing rugby union before switching codes to sign for Wigan in 1953 at the age of 19.

He went on to score 478 tries in 488 appearances for the club during the 1950s and 1960s during a sparkling career that cemented his reputation as a legend of the code.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he was "heartbroken to hear my friend Sir Billy Boston has died".

"Billy was one of the greatest rugby league players of all time but also one of the kindest and most down-to-earth people you could ever wish to meet," he said.

Sir Billy received a knighthood in a special ceremony at Buckingham Palace in June 2025 following a campaign to see him honoured.

Wigan Warriors said Sir Billy had died peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, just weeks after the passing of "Lady Joan Boston, his devoted wife, and days after her funeral."

'Best mistake I ever made'

Born in 1934 to an Irish mother and a Sierra Leonean father in Tiger Bay, Sir Billy showed an early talent for athletics.

Following his conscription for military service, he began playing for the premier rugby union side in the armed forces.

His performance drew interest from rugby league scouts.

Sir Billy signed with Wigan in 1953, after the team doubled their initial offer to £3,000.

The legend goes Sir Billy cried after the decision, knowing it would mean he would never play for Wales, but later called it the "best mistake I ever made".

After just a handful of matches, he was selected to play for the Lions.

During a dazzling career, he toured in 1954 and 1962 and was a member of the World Cup squad in 1957 and 1960.

There were more tears when Sir Billy played his final match for Wigan in 1969, when he joined Blackpool before retiring in 1970.

Sir Billy has been immortalised in bronze statues at Wembley and in Wigan, with Sir Billy revealing at the latter unveiling in August 2016 that he was suffering from dementia.

Tributes flood in for Sir Billy

Wigan head coach Matt Peet paid tribute to Sir Billy, saying his "legacy goes far beyond records and trophies".

"Those fortunate enough to have seen him play tell me he was simply the greatest," he said.

"His achievements, the man he was and the standards he set will continue to inspire everyone who pulls on this shirt."

Wigan Warriors chair Chris Brooks described Sir Billy as "humble, kind and generous".

He said Sir Billy had spoken of the sadness he felt as he waited for the bus north outside the Cardiff rugby club after he was snubbed by his home team.

"An incredibly sad moment for him as it was his colour which was the impediment to allowing him to represent his home town Club," he said.

Wigan Warriors owner Mike Danson said: "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."

(c) Sky News 2026: Rugby league legend Sir Billy Boston dies