Moving tributes paid to Sir Billy Boston as Wigan says a final goodbye to its rugby league hero
“He arrived here as a young Welshman and leaves as part of the soul and identity of this town.”
Sir Billy Boston was remembered as both one of the greatest rugby league players of all time and a devoted family man as his funeral was held.
And it was revealed that he has left a final lasting mark on his adopted home town of Wigan, as Believe Square will be renamed Sir Billy Boston Square in his memory.
The sport’s first ever knight died on August 24, just weeks after his 92nd birthday and shortly after the death of his beloved wife of 70 years Lady Joan.
Crowds lined the streets on Thursday as Sir Billy made his final journey, with the cortege leaving The Bold Hotel and travelling through the town centre, passing Wigan Town Hall, the Griffin Hotel which he used to run and other poignant locations on the way.
It arrived at The Brick Community Stadium to a round of applause from more people who had gathered to pay their respects and members of Wigan Warriors’ first team formed a guard of honour.
Sir Billy’s family and friends were joined in the stadium by prime minister Andy Burnham, rugby league players past and present and fans who had secured tickets to say farewell to their hero, many wearing a flash of cherry red.
Beautiful red and white flowers sat atop the coffin as it was carried into the ground to the sound of famous military march Entry Of The Gladiators.
On the pitch was a large image of Sir Billy wearing his number two Wigan shirt, as well as trophies, his famous throne and other items relating to his playing career.
Mourners sang Abide With Me with soloist Lauren Beswick and readings followed, before Fr Paul Grady, who led the service, spoke about Sir Billy.
He said he was famous off the pitch as well as on it, saying: “He always had time for everyone, had humility and humour that put everyone at ease in the presence of such a Wigan legend.”
He said Sir Billy came to Wigan from Wales looking for “a home and a chance to shine in what he did best - playing rugby to the highest standard”.
And it was there he met his wife Joan, with whom he “conquered every adversity to become the best of Wigan.”
In his eulogy, Warriors’ CEO Kris Radlinski spoke of Sir Billy “reluctantly” moving to Wigan in 1953, saying: “He arrived here as a young Welshman and leaves as part of the soul and identity of this town.”
He overcame prejudice through “talent, courage and sheer determination”, he said.
Mr Radlinski spoke of the respect Sir Billy had from fellow rugby players, his successful career and the impact he made on Wigan.
“Billy became part of Wigan. His story is in our streets, in our families, in memories passed from fathers and mothers to sons and daughters. It’s in Central Park and it’s here in this stadium and it stands permanently in the heart of our town,” he said.
He revealed that Wigan Council had decided to rename Believe Square - where a statue of Sir Billy already stands - in his honour.
Mr Radlinki spoke of how Sir Billy’s journey took him from Wales to Wigan and on to Buckingham Palace when he received a knighthood last year.
“Has the King seen a greater smile? I very much doubt it,” he said.
He also recognised his family, which includes more than 20 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
Mr Radlinski said: “Billy spent a lifetime surrounded by teams, but this was his team, his greatest team. Alongside him through it all, the most important teammate he ever had was Joan.”
As his speech came to a close, he urged Sir Billy to “rest now” with Lady Joan.
Sir Billy’s son Stephen Boston also gave a eulogy, in which he shared stories of family life, showing another side of the famous sportsman.
He remembered his dad playing darts at The Griffin, beating his sister in a 100m race “after a few shandies” and family trips.
Remembering both his parents, Mr Boston said: “We are all going to miss you both, but you will never be forgotten and are in all our hearts. It was a privilege to call you mum and dad, thanks.”
Afterwards, there were prayers, a final commendation and mourners sang hymn How Great Thou Art.
Sir Billy’s coffin was carried from the stadium to the sound of Simply The Best, before a private burial took place.
It was a fitting send-off for Sir Billy, who was born in Butetown, Cardiff and grew up in Tiger Bay.
He originally played rugby union, but was scouted by a number of rugby league clubs during his national service.
He joined Wigan in 1953 and went on to become one of the greatest rugby league players of all time, scoring 478 tries in 488 appearances for the club.
He enjoyed success as a black sportsman at a time when racism was rampant.
After retirement, he remained in Wigan and had a variety of jobs, including running the Griffin pub on Standishgate.
He was awarded an MBE in 1996 for his charity work, but it was only last year when history was made as he became the first person in any way associated with rugby league to receive a knighthood.
Donations in memory of Sir Billy and Lady Joan Boston can still be made to Wigan and Leigh Hospice by visiting donorbox.org/in-memory-of-sir-william-billy-boston.