Prime Minister Andy Burnham has led heartfelt tributes to Sir Billy Boston, rugby league’s first knight, following his passing at the age of 92. Burnham expressed feeling "heartbroken" over the loss, which comes just days after the funeral of Boston’s wife, Lady Joan.

In a post on X, Burnham shared:

"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 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."

Born in Cardiff, Boston initially played rugby union before switching codes to join Wigan at the age of 19 in 1953. During his illustrious career in the 1950s and 1960s, he scored an impressive 478 tries in 488 appearances for the club. In June 2025, he was knighted by King Charles at Buckingham Palace, marking him as the first rugby league player to receive such an honor in the sport’s 130-year history.

Wigan plans to honor Boston before their upcoming Betfred Super League match against Hull KR on Thursday. Head coach Matt Peet extended condolences, stating:

"Billy Boston is woven into the fabric of this club... His legacy goes far beyond records and trophies. His impact on Wigan, on rugby league, and on the wider sporting world was recognized at the very highest level."

The Welsh Rugby Union described Boston as "one of the best loved and most iconic figures in the history of Welsh sport." Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, representing the Wigan constituency, expressed her devastation, calling him "the greatest rugby league player of all time."

Sir Billy Boston's legacy will undoubtedly endure as one of Wigan Warriors’ greatest sons.