Iconic rugby league player Sir Billy Boston has died aged 92. In June 2025, Boston received rugby league's first ever knighthood, ending a 130-year wait for such an honour. The Welsh Rugby Union confirmed his death, stating he was one of the best loved and most iconic figures in Welsh sport history.

Boston blazed a trail for Black sports stars during the 1950s and 1960s, making 488 appearances for Wigan and finishing his career with a British-record 571 tries. He also became the first non-white player to represent Great Britain on a Lions tour in 1954, scoring 36 tries in 18 appearances in Australia and New Zealand, and featuring in 31 international Test matches. Boston made a try-scoring debut for Wigan against Barrow in November 1953, and by the time he left the club in 1968, he had played in six Challenge Cup finals at Wembley, featuring on the winning side in 1958, 1959 and 1965.

Matt Peet, head coach of Wigan Warriors, led tributes, stating Boston is woven into the fabric of the club and his legacy will inspire everyone who pulls on the shirt. Former teammate Colin Clarke called him a brilliant player and even better person, while legend Shaun Edwards described him as the King of Wigan. Tributes poured in from across the rugby league world celebrating his impact on and off the field.