The RFL has paid tribute to Sir Billy Boston after one of rugby league's greatest-ever players died at the age of 92.
The prolific winger, who was born in Cardiff, scored a remarkable 478 tries in just 488 appearances for his cherished Wigan after switching codes in 1953.
He went on to star for Great Britain, lifting the World Cup as a try-scorer seven years later, and became renowned as one of the sport's most exciting and exhilarating performers.
Widely regarded as one of rugby league's most important pioneers – Boston became the first non-white player selected for a Lions tour, breaking significant racial barriers in British sport - he also, fittingly, became its first player to receive a Knighthood.
Sir Billy was bestowed that honour by King Charles III at Buckingham Palace in June of last year, watched on by Lady Joan, his beloved wife of 70 years who died last month aged 90.
Born William John Boston on 6 August 1934 in Butetown, Cardiff, he grew up in the working-class docklands community as the son of a Sierra Leonean father and an Irish-Welsh mother.
Before becoming a rugby league legend, he played rugby union and represented Cardiff Schoolboys and Wales at youth level before making the life-changing decision to head north.
Blessed with exceptional speed, power and finishing ability, he became an instant hit with Wigan fans, going on to win the Challenge Cup three times as well as league championship.
With Great Britain, he amassed 24 tries in 31 Test matches and helped win the Ashes on three occasions, helping pave the way for future generations of players from diverse backgrounds, and demonstrating the inclusive values that rugby league champions.
Sir Billy's career total of 571 tries remains the highest by any British player in the history of the sport.
He was one of the original inductees into the RFL Hall of Fame in 1988, was awarded an MBE for services to the community in Wigan eight years later and saw statues of himself unveiled in Cardiff, Wigan and at Wembley.
Sir Billy proved an iconic figure who overcame prejudice to achieve legendary status.
RFL Chair Nigel Wood OBE said: "On behalf of all of rugby league, our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of Sir Billy at this sad time.
"As the first player from rugby league to receive a Knighthood, Sir Billy's legacy is plain for all to see.
"It is hard to imagine there ever being another player quite like him, given his prolific try-scoring record and the sheer impact he had on the sport, not just at Wigan but for Great Britain and beyond, too.
"Sir Billy, of course, was a trailblazer in so many ways and he is rightly forever immortalised by the Rugby League Legends statue at Wembley Stadium.
"Just a few weeks after the passing of his beloved wife Lady Jane, we now mourn Sir Billy but we will also remember and celebrate his hugely significant career and life."
