Sir Billy Boston, Wigan’s beloved ‘King Billy’ and one of the greatest rugby league players of all time, has died peacefully, surrounded by his family at the age of 92.
The Wigan Warriors legend, who made Wigan his home after arriving from Cardiff as a teenager more than 70 years ago, was loved across the town and by generations of rugby league fans.
Sir Billy’s death comes just weeks after the death of his beloved wife Joan, with whom he had recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. Joan’s funeral took place last Friday, making this an incredibly difficult time for the Boston family, and my thoughts and prayers are with all of them.
Wigan Warriors have paid tribute to one of the most important figures in the club’s history, posting on social media this morning:
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Billy joined Wigan in 1953 as a 19-year-old and went on to become one of the most famous names the sport has ever produced.
But in Wigan, he was never simply remembered as a rugby league great. He remained a familiar and much-loved figure in the town long after his playing days were over, and the affection Wigan had for Billy crossed generations.
In June 2025, he became the first person from the sport of rugby league to be knighted, when he was made a Knight Bachelor in the King’s Birthday Honours.
For those of us who live here, though, he had been ‘King Billy’ for a very long time before that. His statue has stood proudly in Believe Square since 2016, a permanent reminder of just how much the Cardiff-born winger came to mean to the town he made his home.
Billy’s grandson Gareth is one of my friends, and I’ve spoken to him a few times about what it was like growing up with Wigan’s most famous, and favourite adopted son as his grandad. One thing Gareth said has stayed with me.
“He is a proud Welsh man, but he belongs to the people of Wigan. If you ask him, he’s a Wiganer.”
There will be much more to say about Sir Billy Boston, his extraordinary life, his achievements and the barriers he broke, and I will be sharing a full look back at the life and legacy of King Billy on what’s happening in Wigan.
For now, my thoughts are with the whole Boston family, particularly as they also prepare to say goodbye to Joan this Friday.
Thank you, Sir Billy, for everything you gave to Wigan, and for allowing us to call you one of our own.
Rest in peace, now back with your beloved Lady Joan.
