Billy Boston: Legendary Wigan, Wales and GB winger dies aged 92

Matt Newsum, BBC rugby league commentator

It is testament to the star power of Sir Billy Boston that even 56 years after he last graced a rugby pitch, young fans are fully aware of the legend that is the Welshman from Cardiff’s Tiger Bay.

He had a uniquely unifying effect on a normally partisan and tribal rugby league community. Revered naturally in Wigan, his adopted home, but you won’t hear a boo or jeer at mention of Boston anywhere – not even at sworn rivals St Helens where they appreciate a good footballer when they see one.

The sepia footage and slow shutter-speeds of the cameras that captured the magic of his playing days simply cannot dull his brilliance; whether it’s bustling over for another try in cherry and white hoops at Wembley or crushing the Aussies at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Boston is a blur of speed, footwork and power.

Wing or centre, a wonderful finisher and a player whose innate talents were honed on those tough streets of his district – one that also produced fellow pioneers Roy Francis and Colin Dixon.

Many a fan will have drunk at the pub which provided some of his post-playing focus, the Griffin Hotel, close to the Central Park ground he scored so many of his 571 tries on – the best strike rate of any British player.

Still a regular visitor to Wigan games right up to his passing, it was always a beautiful moment when the cameras found him, the crowd spotting him on the screen bursting into cheer, and the realisation creeping over his face in the shape of a smile.

It will take some getting used to, the empty seat at the Brick. He will be missed but certainly not forgotten.

More to follow.