Rugby league legend Billy Boston, 90, is set to receive the sport's first knighthood at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday, ending a 130-year wait for such an honour. This historic recognition is being awarded unusually early due to concerns over Boston's health, before the King's birthday honours are officially announced. The move addresses long-standing frustration and perceived snobbery regarding the lack of top honours for rugby league players.
Billy Boston to become first ever rugby league knight
King's Birthday HonoursUK Royal Family
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Rugby league legend Billy Boston, 90, is set to receive the sport's first knighthood at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday, ending a 130-year wait for such an honour. This historic recognition is being awarded unusually early due to concerns over Boston's health, before the King's birthday honours are officially announced. The move addresses long-standing frustration and perceived snobbery regarding the lack of top honours for rugby league players.
Trending- 1 1950s-1960s: Billy Boston played for Wigan and Great Britain.
- 2 Last month: Rugby Football League told BBC players were 'poorly treated' by honours system.
- 3 Last week: Ex-footballer David Beckham also set to receive knighthood.
- 4 This week (before official announcement): Billy Boston to receive knighthood on Tuesday.
- 5 Later this week: King's birthday honours officially announced.
- Ends 130-year wait for a rugby league knighthood
- Addresses perceived snobbery/class prejudice in honours system
- Historic milestone for the sport
- Boston's health concerns led to early award
What: Rugby league legend Billy Boston is receiving the sport's first knighthood.
When: Tuesday (for the ceremony), before the King's birthday honours are officially announced later this week. The decision was made due to health concerns.
Where: Buckingham Palace, UK.
Why: To recognize Billy Boston's stellar career and trailblazing role in rugby league, and to address a historic wrong regarding the lack of top honours for the sport, which has been attributed to snobbery and class prejudice.
How: The knighthood is being awarded unusually early, before the official King's birthday honours announcement, due to concerns over Boston's health.