Sir Billy Boston stands for much more than rugby league – he was a black man trying to make a name for himself

SIR BILLY BOSTON blazed trails hundreds of times down the wing as he became a rugby league icon. But it is the path he trod at a time when social attitudes were very different that made the biggest impact – and still can now. Sir Billy Boston passed away yesterday Credit: AP The Welshman made himself a rugby league legend Credit: Shutterstock Editorial The Welsh wonder – the 13-a-side code’s first knight – died yesterday at the age of 92 after living with vascular dementia. Being cast in bronze in his hometown of Cardiff, his adopted Wigan and outside Wembley are lasting ways to recognise the impact of King Bill. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! And Warriors coach Matt Peet – whose side will pay tribute at tomorrow’s match with Hull KR – could not play down how big a figure he is for the club he scored 478 tries in 488 games for and people in general after overcoming racism. Peet said: “That adds to the legend, the fact that he was fighting against a racist culture at a time more racist than now. He stands for much more than rugby league. “He was a black man trying to make a name for himself and that inspired future generations. ‘Legend’ is the best way to put it. There was almost a mythical thing, that presence about him. “You meet people around the world who’ve heard of Wigan and Central Park, then it tends to be Billy Boston.” Sir Billy – whose wife Lady Joan died on July 23 – joined Wigan in 1953 for £3,000 after starring in rugby union. A Cardiff contract never came as they did not offer black and mixed-race players terms at the time. Most read in Sport Boston scored 478 tries in 488 games for Wigan Credit: Getty He won seven major honours with the Warriors Credit: Getty Seven major honours later, he played his final match for Wigan on April 27, 1968. Eleven appearances for Blackpool Borough followed before he hung up his boots aged 36 after 571 tries in 562 first-class games. A World Cup winner with Great Britain in 1960, Sir Billy was the first non-white player to be selected to tour Australia and New Zealand in 1954, on which he set a record of 36 tries in 18 matches. An MBE arrived in 1996 and, at the age of 90, he received rugby league’s first knighthood. Son Stephen said: “He will always be King Bill. He’s still my hero.” Wigan owner Mike Danson added: “Billy was everybody’s hero, including my mum’s.” Warriors chairman Professor Chris Brookes recalled: “It’s remarkable that he had no alternative than to leave his beloved Tiger Bay to pursue his rugby career. Matt Peet paid tribute to Boston Credit: Getty Professor Chris Brookes (right) looked back at the icon’s route to Wigan Credit: Getty “Although fiercely proud of his roots, he told me of standing, kit bag in hand, at the bus stop outside Cardiff RFC’s ground, waiting for a bus to training at Neath. “An incredibly sad moment for him as it was his colour which was the impediment to allowing him to represent his hometown club.” Wigan chief executive Kris Radlinski added: “Billy’s true measure went beyond what he achieved on a rugby field. “It was in the respect he commanded, the way he carried himself and the affection in which he was held by everyone.” Comment now