Wigan Warriors will pay tribute to Sir Billy Boston before Thursday night’s game against Hull KR following the death of one of the greatest players in rugby league history.
The club has confirmed a tribute will take place ahead of the 8pm kick-off at The Brick Community Stadium.
Sir Billy’s death was announced by Wigan on Tuesday, August 25. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his closest family, just weeks after the death of his wife, Lady Joan Boston, and days after her funeral.
The 92-year-old was one of the most important figures in Wigan’s history, scoring a club-record 478 tries in 488 appearances during 15 seasons in Cherry and White. He went on to live in Wigan for more than 60 years and, at the age of 90, became rugby league’s first knight.
Leading figures at Warriors have paid tribute to Boston and his impact on the club, town and sport.
Owner Mike Danson said: “Billy Boston was everybody’s hero, including my Mum’s. His achievements in rugby league were extraordinary, and his knighthood was a fitting recognition of a career that brought great credit to Wigan and to the game.
“But Billy’s legacy was not simply what he achieved. It was the humility with which he carried it. Despite everything he accomplished, he remained a quiet, dignified and deeply respected man.
“A great man, and a true Wigan legend. He will be remembered with pride and affection.”
Chairman Professor Chris Brooks described Boston as a “Rugby League icon” and “magnificent ambassador” for the sport, while also remembering him as a friend.
He reflected on Boston’s journey from Tiger Bay and the racism which prevented him from representing his hometown club, before Wigan welcomed him and gave him the opportunity to display his extraordinary talent.
Brooks said: “How significant and poignant then, that the people of Wigan – and the wider Rugby League Community, welcomed Billy with open arms, recognised his extraordinary talent as a player and celebrated him for the only thing that matters, his unique ability and talent. Respected, revered and loved by all, wherever he went Billy was the star of the show and the man everyone wanted to meet, shake hands with and of course secure that most famous of autographs!
“I was proud indeed to call him my friend and he will be forever in all our thoughts and hearts.”
Warriors chief executive Kris Radlinski said Boston was not only a legend of Wigan but “one of the greatest figures our sport has ever known”.
He said: “For generations of Wigan people, Billy represented the very best of our town and our Club, strength, humility, courage and an extraordinary talent worn without fuss or ego. His achievements speak for themselves and will stand forever. But Billy’s true measure went beyond what he achieved on a rugby field.”
Radlinski, who visited Boston on Sunday morning, added: “Time moves on, as it must, but some names endure. Billy Boston will always be one of them. His place in the history of Wigan, and in the history of Rugby League, is secure forever.”
Head coach Matt Peet said Boston remained an inspiration throughout every level of Wigan Warriors.
He said: “Billy Boston is woven into the fabric of this club. Every day we walk through the doors, we’re reminded that we have a responsibility to represent all those who have gone before us and made Wigan Warriors what it is today. Billy stands at the very top of that history. Those fortunate enough to have seen him play tell me he was simply the greatest. His achievements, the man he was and the standards he set will continue to inspire everyone who pulls on this shirt.”
Peet added: “Sir Billy Boston will always be one of Wigan Warriors’ greatest sons, and he will never be forgotten.”
The Boston Family would like to send their deepest gratitude to Ambleside Bank Care Home and all the staff who cared for their dad over the past few weeks.
Wigan’s pre-match tribute to Sir Billy will take place before the Warriors face Hull KR on Thursday, August 27, with the game kicking off at 8pm
Read more: Sir Billy Boston, the remarkable life of Wigan’s beloved ‘King Billy‘ now back in the arms of his dear wife Joan.
