Prime Minister Andy Burnham is one of hundreds today paying tribute to rugby league trailblazer Sir Billy Boston, who has passed away at the age of 92.
Boston became rugby league’s first-ever knight when he was honoured in 2025, something that was much deserved given the incredible impact he had on the sport.
Originally a rugby union player, his path was blocked so he switched codes and went on to score 571 tries in rugby league, starring for Wigan for 15 seasons, with the Warriors now set to pay tribute to their beloved icon on Thursday when they play Hull KR.
Wigan Warriors and the RFL have both already shared statements, along many other clubs also offering their thoughts, including Leigh Leopards boss Adrian Lam.
Former Wigan Warriors head coach and current Leigh boss Lam held his pre-match press conference just hours after the news of Boston’s sad passing, and he too spoke with passion about the cross-code icon.
Lam explained: “Obviously, being a Wigan player and a coach there as well, he’s a legend of the game, and it’s a sad time for the sport and for the Wigan fans and his family and everyone involved.
“He was a legend of the game and just a figure that you could look up to who was just bigger than life himself with all of his actions and even the things that he did after the game.
“It’s a sad moment for the whole rugby league community and our condolences go out to the family but I think it’s a time to remember about all the good times as well and so much that he brought to the sport and how many players he inspired.
“I looked up to him as well as a player and as a coach and what an absolute legend of the game.
“When you spoke to him or his family, he just had some presence about him and just a great ambassador for our game and just one that’s going to be dearly missed.”
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Sir Billy Boston remembered by political powerhouses
Such was the impact of Sir Billy Boston that his passing has been met with condolences from the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy, and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Andy Burnham.
Nandy is the MP for Wigan, the town where Billy Boston became an icon, and she issued a heartfelt statement via her Instagram as she paid tribute.
She said: “Absolutely devastated to learn that the legendary Sir Billy Boston has died aged 92. He was, in my view, the greatest rugby league player of all time and one of the nicest people I’ve ever had the privilege to know. Sending all my love to Sir Billy’s loved ones, and to the rugby league family as we mourn one of our brightest stars.”
As for Burnham, he was keen to emphasise what a wonderful person Boston was, with many speaking of his larger-than-life nature.
Posting on X, the Prime Minister said: “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 to 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.”
Former Wigan Warriors head coach and current Leigh Leopards boss Adrian Lam held his pre-match press conference just hours after the news of Boston’s sad passing, and he too spoke with passion about the cross-code icon.
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 to back to his adopted… pic.twitter.com/xbbHdKt325
— Andy Burnham (@andyburnham) August 25, 2026
