Billy Boston

Sir William John Boston (born 6 August 1934) is a Welsh former professional rugby league footballer. He was born in Cardiff, Wales. Boston started his career as a rugby union player before joining Wigan in 1953. Boston scored a total of 571 tries in his career, making him the second-highest try scorer in rugby league history. 

Boston spent 15 years of his career at Wigan. He finished his career at Blackpool Borough before retiring in 1970. He played for Great Britain in 31 Test matches.

Personal life
Boston was born on 6 August 1934 at Angelina Street, Butetown, Cardiff. Boston was the sixth of eleven children born to John Boston, a merchant seaman from Sierra Leone and Nellie who came from Cardiff's Irish community.

In 2016, Boston was diagnosed with vascular dementia.https://www.bordercountiesadvertizer.co.uk/news/national/25228963.rugby-league-star-sir-billy-bostons-knighthood-a-little-bit-late-says-son/

Honors
Boston was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 1996 Birthday Honours "for services to the community in Wigan, Greater Manchester."

In December 2020 Boston was named as one of three Welsh rugby league players to be honoured with a new statue in Cardiff Bay. Another statue of him was unveiled in July 2023.

In June 2025, Boston became the first ever rugby league player to receive a knighthood, as part of the 2025 Birthday Honours by King Charles III.

Notes

References

Category:1934 births
Category:Living people
Category:Welsh rugby union players
Category:Sportspeople from Cardiff