RUGBY league’s first ever knight, Sir Billy Boston, is as relevant to today’s generation at Wigan as he was his own, boss Matt Peet believes.
The Welsh wonder was confirmed as the 13-a-side code’s inaugural Sir in 130 years of existence in a special ceremony at Buckingham Palace today.
After scoring 571 tries in 564 career appearances following a £3,000 switch after playing for Pontypridd and Neath RU, the 90-year-old has inspired many since.
And Peet, who has had Boston in speaking to his side, feels the way he conquered adversity, including racism, can apply now.
He said: “There are always lessons to learn from the past and in that era in sport there were trailblazers who faced tough conditions and treatment.
“There’s no doubt that paved the way for other people and Billy certainly falls into the category of being an unstoppable force. No matter what people thought of race or class during that time, he let his rugby do the talking.
“I don’t think Billy’s that comfortable speaking about his own achievements, but he’s a huge presence. He’s part of the team at Wigan.
“When I say to fans, ‘Who’s your favourite?’ It’s almost like, ‘It’s Billy, then we’ll talk about everyone else.’
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“He’s an iconic figure and to consider him a friend and speak to him at games is a privilege. Hopefully there’s more to come for the game.”
The man from Tiger Bay has three statues – at Wigan, Wembley and Cardiff Bay.
Little wonder for a trailblazer, the first non-white player to be selected by Great Britain to tour Australia and New Zealand in 1954.
He won 32 caps, scoring 25 tries, and helped them win the World Cup in 1960, as well as Ashes Series against Australia at home in 1956/1957 and 1959/1960, and away in 1962.
Boston scooped seven major honours at Wigan – for whom he scored 478 tries in 488 games, including three or more on 51 occasions – records that remain intact.
Yet after hanging up his boots, many more followed.
An MBE came in 1996 after he was inducted into the Rugby League and the Welsh Sports Halls of Fame.
He became an honorary freeman of Wigan in 2000 and received BBC Wales’ Elite Lifetime Achievement award in 2016.
Warriors owner Mike Danson said: “One of the biggest thrills in my ownership has been enjoying the company of Billy Boston.
“Without doubt, he was – and still is – the biggest crowd favourite in rugby league.
“He is my mum Jean’s favourite player – they are of the same age! She remains in awe of the great man and his legacy.
“I am thrilled that at long last Billy will be appointed as rugby league’s first knight! A richly deserved honour which means this most humble of men rightly receives at last fitting recognition.”
Another legend, Ellery Hanley, added: “Billy was super world class. He had gone beyond anything else and what anyone else has done. His exploits on the field were remarkable – he was dynamite in every aspect of the game.”
Congratulations also came from Boston’s homeland as Wales Rugby League chairman James Davies said: “He has inspired so many and it’s part of our responsibility to ensure his story will continue to do so for years to come.”
Josh Simons, the MP for Makerfield, where Sir Billy lives, said: “I’m so proud that Billy, my constituent, a hero of rugby league, will now be Sir Billy Boston. Presenting Billy with a letter about his knighthood was an emotional moment.
“Billy is a remarkable man.”
