Sir Billy Boston is the toast of 2026 Rugby League Lions Luncheon

Sir Billy Boston was the toast of the 2026 Rugby League Lions Association Annual Reunion Lunch - the first Lion to attend as a Knight of the Realm in the event's 80-year history.

Sir Billy, who became the first man to be knighted for his Rugby League achievements in the King's Birthday Honours last summer, ensured there were representatives from seven decades of touring present, having made a stunning impact with the 1954 Lions, little more than a year after he came north to Wigan from Cardiff.

The 91-year-old was given a standing ovation by the hundreds of guests present when he took to the stage to be greeted by two fellow Lions who he had played with and against, Ian Brooke and Colin Clarke, who shared memories of their time on the 1966 Great Britain tour.

The annual lunch featured a number of new attendees from more recent Lions tours who were presented with their Heritage Certificates.

Alan Smith, the former Leeds and Great Britain wing who was a member of the last Lions team to win the Ashes in Australia in 1970, presented Karl Harrison, Daryl Powell and Paul Sculthorpe MBE with their certificates.

Stuart Fielden and James Roby were presented with their certificates by Brian Noble MBE, their Great Britain coach in the 2006 Tri-Nations series when the Lions claimed a famous win in Sydney.

Abi Ekoku, the Interim CEO of the Rugby Football League, also received a Heritage Certificate having been Great Britain's team manager for that 2006 Tri-Nations Series, as did Jon Sharp, who was one of Noble's assistant coaches.

The dinner was sponsored by Ellis Rugby and supported by the RFL and Rugby League Cares, with fundraising for the Rugby League Benevolent Fund through an auction and raffle - and several of the former players supported by the Benevolent Fund in attendance.

Abi Ekoku said:

"It was a personal privilege and very special pleasure to attend my first Lions lunch on Sunday. Alongside a number of others who were attending the event for the first time, I was energised by what was an extremely impressive and enjoyable occasion.

"International representation is the pinnacle of sporting achievement, and it’s vitally important we as a sport to continue to celebrate heroes of the past.  The Lions Luncheon delivered the perfect platform for some of the very best the sport has produced to meet, reflect and share their memories and achievements.

"It was a truly fantastic occasion, capped off by having Sir Billy Boston, Colin Clarke and Ian Brooke share a stage together.  It’s something I will never forget and sincerely hope to remain a part of the event moving forward."

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