Rugby league legend Sir Billy Boston died on August 24 at the age of 92, leaving an estate valued at approximately £200,000. Boston passed away without a will, and his funeral was held yesterday at the Wigan Warriors' Brick Community Stadium, his former club.
Legal papers released this week named his son Stephen as the administrator of the estate. After deductions, the net value is £127,000. The estate is expected to be distributed among his three surviving children: Christine, Karen, and Stephen. Boston had five children in total; his daughter Lisa died in 2024 at age 66, and Angela passed away in 2016 at age 51.
Sir Billy's death occurred just one month after his wife of 70 years, Lady Joan, died. He had been diagnosed with vascular dementia.
Regarded as one of the greatest players in the sport's history, Sir Billy was also recognized as one of rugby's first Black stars. He scored an impressive 478 tries in 487 matches for the Wigan Warriors. Born William John Boston in Cardiff on August 6, 1934, he also represented Great Britain, notably being part of the team that won the World Cup in 1960. He won three Challenge Cups with Wigan during his tenure from 1953 to 1968, following a brief career in rugby union.
Sir Billy was the first rugby league star to be knighted, receiving the honor from King Charles in June of the previous year. His funeral procession passed through Greater Manchester, allowing fans to pay their respects. Many current Wigan Warriors players and local officials, including Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, attended the service. Fans also left tributes at his bronze statue outside the stadium.