Disappointment as dinner for rugby league legend sells just two tables

A Welsh rugby charity has been left shellshocked after a dinner set up for rugby league legend Billy Boston has sold just two tables.

Boston, who played 488 times for Wigan over a 16 year period and picked up 31 appearances for Great Britain, is battling dementia and the Welsh Charitables RFC decided to create an event for the popular figure in his home city.

The event is due to take place at Cardiff’s Mercure Holland House Hotel on Friday October 27.

“I have been very fortunate since forming the Charitables in 2000 to have rubbed shoulders with some of the greats of the game,” secretary David Power told Wales Online.

“Some we have honoured with dinners and all the recipients have been very humbled with having such an honour bestowed on them.

“This year’s recipient has a rather more poignant touch as it’s to  aman who has been described as many as ‘the greatest player never to have played for Wales’ or to have never played on the hallowed turf of Cardiff Arms Park.

“Tiger Bay’s Billy Boston has been revered throughout the rugby world as one of the greatest players ever.

“What I find strange is where such a legend of the game, who has statues erected in his honour at Wembley and Wigan, is more recognised and revered there, than he is down here in Wales.

“It seems that we have forgotten him. We are going to put the record books straight by holding this tribute dinner.”