Sir Billy Boston, rugby league’s record try scorer, dies aged 92
The Welsh winger, who became the first rugby league player to receive a knighthood, has died weeks after his wife.
Sir Billy Boston, widely regarded as one of the greatest try scorers in rugby league history, has died at the age of 92. The former Wigan, Wales, and Great Britain winger passed away just weeks after the death of his wife, Lady Joan, according to BBC Sport.
Boston’s career was defined by an extraordinary scoring ratio, having amassed 478 tries in 488 games for Wigan and 571 in total. His record for top-class rugby league has been surpassed only by Australian legend Brian Bevan. He was a key figure in Wigan’s success, helping the club secure three Challenge Cups and the Championship.
Born in Cardiff in 1934, Boston initially played rugby union before catching the attention of league scouts while on national service in England. He signed for Wigan in 1953 and quickly established himself as a talent, becoming the first black British player to tour Australia and New Zealand in 1954. He later represented Great Britain in the 1960 World Cup, scoring a try in the final victory over Australia.
In 2025, Boston received a knighthood from King Charles, making him the first player in the sport’s 130-year history to receive the honour. The award came after he was reported to have been diagnosed with dementia. He had previously been appointed an MBE in 1986 and inducted into the Rugby League Hall of Fame in 1988.
Tributes have been released by Wigan owner Mike Danson, the Wales Rugby League, and the Welsh Rugby Union. Danson described Boston as "everybody's hero" and a "true Wigan legend," noting that his legacy was defined by his humility and dignity. The Wales Rugby League stated that the sport had lost "one of its greatest-ever players."
BBC commentator Matt Newsum noted that Boston remained a regular visitor to Wigan games until his death. Newsum highlighted Boston’s unique ability to unite the rugby league community, noting that he was revered even by rival clubs such as St Helens.
