Rugby league legend Sir Billy Boston dies aged 92
Welsh rugby league great Billy Boston, one of Britain's most prolific try-scorers, has died at the age of 92, just weeks after the death of his wife, Lady Joan.
Sir Billy Boston, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in British rugby league history, has died aged 92.
Over his career, the Welsh winger scored 24 tries in 31 appearances for Great Britain and was part of the squad that won the 1960 World Cup, beating Australia 10-3 in the final at Odsal Stadium in Bradford, where he also crossed for a try. He ended his playing days as a second row forward with Blackpool Borough.
In total, Boston scored 571 tries across his career, a tally bettered in top-class rugby league only by Australian great Brian Bevan.
Life after rugby
Following retirement, Boston ran the Griffin Hotel near Wigan's Central Park ground, where a stand was later named in his honour. In 1988 he became one of the first players inducted into the Rugby League Hall of Fame, and he is commemorated with statues at Wembley Stadium, in Wigan and in his home city of Cardiff.
He was appointed MBE in 1986 and inducted into the Welsh Sports Hall of Fame at its launch in 1990. After being diagnosed with dementia, Boston received the highest honour in 2025 when he was knighted by King Charles. His death comes only weeks after that of his wife, Lady Joan.
Boston remained a regular presence at Wigan matches right up until his death, and was known for his unifying popularity across the sport, respected even among fans of Wigan's fiercest rivals.
