Billy Boston, the Welsh rugby league great who broke barriers for Black sportspeople in Britain during the 1950s and 1960s, has died at the age of 92.

Boston, who spent most of his illustrious career with Wigan, died peacefully on Tuesday surrounded by his closest family, the club announced.

For generations of rugby league fans, Boston was more than a prolific try-scorer. Born in Cardiff and raised playing rugby union, he became one of the defining players of rugby league after being spotted by scouts while serving in the north of England.

He joined Wigan in 1953 at the age of 19 and went on to make 488 appearances for the club before retiring in 1968. He scored an extraordinary 478 tries for Wigan.

Who was Billy Boston?

Boston was one of the most successful rugby league players of his era and a pioneer for Black athletes in Britain.

He finished his career with a British-record 571 tries. In 1954, he became the first Black player to represent Britain on a Lions tour of Australia and New Zealand, scoring 36 tries in 18 appearances during the tour.

He went on to play 31 international Test matches for Britain. During the 1960 World Cup final, Boston scored a try as Britain defeated Australia.

His father was from Sierra Leone, and Boston's career came at a time when Black sportspeople faced prejudice in Britain.

First rugby league player to receive a knighthood

Boston's contribution to the sport was recognised at the highest level last year when he became the first rugby league player to receive a knighthood.

The investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace was brought forward in June 2025 amid concerns over his health. Boston had been suffering from dementia.

Then-British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described him as a “true trailblazer” and “a legend of the game who overcame prejudice to represent Great Britain and opened the door to a more diverse game.”

Wigan Warriors chief executive Kris Radlinski said Boston was “one of the greatest figures our sport has ever known”.

Wigan owner Mike Danson described Boston as “everybody’s hero”, saying his legacy went beyond his achievements on the rugby league field.

“Billy’s legacy was not simply what he achieved,” Danson said. “It was the humility with which he carried it.”

Boston's death comes only weeks after the death of his wife, Lady Joan Boston, according to a statement from Wigan.

With AP inputs