Wigan Warriors rugby league legend Billy Boston, 90, is set to become the first rugby league player in the sport's 130-year history to receive a knighthood. This historic honour recognizes Boston's glittering career, including 478 tries in 488 games for Wigan, and his role as a pioneering black figure in British sport. The accolade is seen as a symbolic moment for rugby league, which has long been overlooked for such honours compared to rugby union.
Wigan great Billy Boston to be knighted in historic first for rugby league
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Wigan Warriors rugby league legend Billy Boston, 90, is set to become the first rugby league player in the sport's 130-year history to receive a knighthood. This historic honour recognizes Boston's glittering career, including 478 tries in 488 games for Wigan, and his role as a pioneering black figure in British sport. The accolade is seen as a symbolic moment for rugby league, which has long been overlooked for such honours compared to rugby union.
Trending- 1 1953: Billy Boston signed for Wigan.
- 2 1960: Billy Boston was a member of Great Britain’s World Cup-winning squad.
- 3 1968: Billy Boston remained with Wigan until this year.
- 4 Recent years: Calls increased for rugby league players to receive honours.
- 5 This week (Tuesday): Billy Boston is expected to be named as a knight.
- Historic recognition for rugby league as a sport.
- Symbolic moment for the sport, ending a long wait for such an honour.
- Recognition of Billy Boston's legacy as a pioneering black figure in British sport.
- Lays a platform for more players from Wales to transition to rugby league from union.
What: Billy Boston, a 90-year-old rugby league legend and pioneering black figure in British sport, will be knighted, becoming the first rugby league player to receive this highest honour.
When: This week, on Tuesday (following the article's publication on June 9, 2025).
Where: United Kingdom (knighthood), Wigan (played for Warriors, statue), Cardiff (born, statue), Great Britain (played for national team).
Why: To recognize Billy Boston's exceptional career and his status as one of rugby league's greatest players and a pioneering black figure in British sport. It also marks a significant moment for rugby league, as the sport has historically lacked such high honours compared to rugby union.
How: He is expected to be named as a knight in an honour's list.