Prime Minister Andy Burnham has led the tributes to rugby league legend Billy Boston, who has died at the age of 92. Cardiff-born Boston was one of the greatest try-scorers in the history of British rugby and has a statue dedicated to him in his adopted home of Wigan.
A record-breaking career at Wigan
Boston spent 15 years of his career at Wigan, scoring a club-record 478 tries in 488 appearances. He also represented Great Britain in 31 test matches, scoring 24 tries along the way, and was part of the team that won the 1960 Rugby League World Cup.
The Welsh Rugby Union confirmed the news of Boston's death on Tuesday, writing: "Sir Billy Boston, one of the best loved and most iconic figures in the history of Welsh sport, has passed away peacefully at the age of 92."
Tributes from the Prime Minister
Prime Minister Andy Burnham, a keen rugby league fan and a friend of Boston's, paid a moving tribute to the sporting legend. Mr Burnham said: "Heartbroken to hear my friend Sir Billy Boston has died. Billy was one of the greatest Rugby League players of all time but also one of the kindest and most down-to-earth people you could ever wish to meet."
He added: "He always had time for people and gave so much back to his adopted home, Wigan. I will miss him greatly and am thinking today of Billy's family, still grieving the recent loss of his beloved wife Joan. A giant of a man in every way. Thank you, Billy, and rest in peace."
A knighthood and lasting legacy
Last year, Boston became the first rugby league player to be knighted, having previously been made an MBE in 1986 for services to the sport. Having made his debut for Wigan at the age of 19, he went on to win the Challenge Cup in 1958, 1959 and 1965. His try-scoring record remains in place today, reports Wales Online.
Boston was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2016 at the age of 82. Last month, his wife of 70 years, Lady Joan, passed away at the age of 90. Her funeral took place in Wigan on Friday.
