Wigan prepares to say goodbye to Sir Billy Boston

Sir Billy Boston is wearing a navy suit and light blue shirt and red and white tie. He is wearing an insignia and holding both hands up and smiling at the camera.

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Sir Billy Boston died in August aged 92.

ByJenny ColemanNorth West

Published1 hour ago

The funeral of rugby league legend Sir Billy Boston will take place later.

Boston, who was the first player in rugby league's 130-year history to receive a knighthood, died last month aged 92.

His funeral will take place at Wigan Warriors' Brick Community Stadium at 12:30 BST, with a limited number of supporters able to attend.

Before the service, a cortege will travel through Wigan , externaland arrive at the stadium. The West Stand will be open as Sir Billy makes his final journey through the Stadium Tunnel. A private burial will follow.

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Boston is regarded as one of Britain's truly great rugby league players

At the request of the Boston family, people attending are being encouraged to wear traditional funeral attire, but items of Wigan Warriors' cherry red can be worn such as scarves, ties and headwear.

People are welcome to pay their respects to the funeral cortege, which will follow a route through Wigan.

Born in Cardiff in 1934, Boston grew up playing union but was overlooked by his home club. He came to the attention of rugby league scouts while on national service in the north of England, signing for Wigan in 1953 as a 19-year-old.

He was picked for the 1954 Great Britain side and was the first black British player to tour Australia and New Zealand.

He reached the 100-try milestone in just 68 matches and claimed 478 tries in 488 games for Wigan, helping them win three Challenge Cups and the Championship.

In all, Boston scored 571 tries in his career - a total surpassed only by Australian legend Brian Bevan in top-class rugby league - and is one of the truly great British rugby league players.