Billy Boston is a name many in the area will know, whether you’re a Wigan Warriors fan or just a general rugby league fan, you are probably familiar with his incredible track record at Wigan. 

Billy unfortunately died in August at 92 after living a long, happy life. He was a valued member of the wigan community and one of the best players to ever play for them. 

Sir William John Boston MBE was born in Wales in 1934 to a loving family and was the 6th out of 11. Growing up he played for a local team in Cardiff, where he was overlooked due to his race, before he signed with wigan. 

During his time in Wigan he set some incredible records such as an untouchable 478 tries across his time at the club with the next highest scorer being Johnny Rigg with 368 and the top modern scorer Liam Marshall with 168. 

This shows how much of an impact he had at Wigan. Recently, Wigan dedicated one of it’s games against Hull KR to him on Thursday 27th of August  They also delayed the start time by 2 minutes to honour his iconic shirt number. 

Not only did he play for Wigan but he also played for his country- representing Great Britain where he scored 24 tries. 

My grandad, who is a Welsh Wigan fan absolutely adored Billy as he watched him when he was young and just moved to Wigan to find that their star player was Welsh just like him. He said to me “growing up Billy was my favourite player and I loved watching him at the old stadium”. 

Today to honour Billy the Brick Community Stadium (formerly known as the DW Stadium) has named the east stand after him and in Wigan town centre there is a statue that was built in his image to honour him. 

We will always remember him and all he did for our beloved club. 

Rest in peace Billy Boston.