Rugby league icon statue updated after knighthood

A statue of three men in rugby jerseys with one holding a rugby ball. The statue on the left of the image has one arm in the air while the others lock arms stood side by side. To the right of the image three people can be seen dressed in formal attire.

The Welsh rugby "codebreakers" statue in Cardiff Bay

Oscar Edwards
BBC News

Rugby league legend Sir Billy Boston has seen his statue get updated to reflect his recent knighthood.

He was joined by his family and members of the Cardiff Bay Rugby Codebreakers Committee to see the new plaque unveiled.

The statue of the Welsh rugby "codebreakers" is the first in Wales to feature non-fictionalised, named black men.

Sir Billy became the sport's first player to receive a knighthood in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace in June.

The statue features Billy Boston, Clive Sullivan and Gus Risman who left amateur rugby union in Wales to become legends for professional rugby league clubs in England.

In the ceremony on Friday Sir Billy had his name updated on the plaque to be formally recognised as Sir William John Boston KBE.

Boston's son Stephen, who attended the event, described it as a "very special day".

"It means a lot more to my dad coming from Tiger Bay and being honoured in Tiger Bay, it's always going to be a little bit more special for him," he said.

Stephen said his dad has had "really fond memories" of growing up in Cardiff.

"When we come down, all he talks about is Tiger Bay," he added.

Stephen said it had a "special place" in his heart, despite Sir Billy earning acclaim in Wigan for his rugby league exploits.

"He's lived in Wigan longer than he's lived here, and he's been adopted as a Wiganer [someone from Wigan], but in his heart he's still a Tiger Bay boy and that will never change."

Two men stood either side of a statue smiling. Cardiff Bay can be seen on the left. There are three names engraved into the statue: Billy Boston, Clive Sullivan and Gus Risman. The man on the left is pointing and has a grey suit on, blue shirt and black and blue striped tie. He has shades on. The man on the right has a dark grey suit, light pink shirt and red striped tie.

The icon scored 478 tries in 487 matches for Wigan after making the switch from union to league

Sir Billy was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2016.

His son said it made the moment he was knighted "bittersweet", as he felt the recognition should have "come 20 years ago".

"The dementia is quite bad now but he lives in the moment. He always reminds us that he's got three statues, so he's not not losing it totally.

"He's not been well the past week but we decided that it was worth the trip.

"He's 91 now. We don't know how many more times we're going to get to do this with him so it's a big honour for us."

Stephen said his family was "over the moon" with the honour, but thought it could have "come a bit sooner".

A close up image of Sir Billy Boston's name on the statue in its updated form. It reads: Sir William John Boston KBE 'Billy Boston', Rugby League Career 1953 - 1970. 563 Games. 571 Tries. World Cup Winner 1960. Challenge Cup Winner 1958, 1959, 1965. Cardiff Council

Sir Billy had his name updated on the plaque after being knighted in June

Jim Mills, Cardiff-raised rugby league legend, said the recognition for Billy was "better late than never", describing him as a "real legend".

The former player, whose career saw him play at clubs including Cardiff, Halifax and Widnes, said Sir Billy "is rugby league" in the north of England.

"He is the iconic player and everybody thinks the world of him.

"When we heard he was being knighted the whole of rugby league, not just Wigan, was over the moon because he's got so much respect."

On the left is Welsh rugby "codebreakers" statue. On the right, Billy Boston stands with his family and members of the Codebreakers Committee as photos are taken at the unveiling in Cardiff Bay. The man closest to the statue has a dark blue jacket with a white shirt and striped tie, next to him is Sir Billy with a dark grey suit and red tie. There is a woman peaking out behind him with ginger hair, and next to him is a balding man with a white shirt and black and white striped tie. In front of him is a woman with a red jacket and white shirt with a bright blonde bob and shades, she looks at a woman with curly blonde hair who's wearing a green dress and smiling. Next to her is a woman with shoulder-length dark hair and a dark blue dress, next to her is a woman with short grey hair and a pink jumper and light pink top. Just behind her is a woman with a dark blue dress and dark brown hair and behind her is a balding man with a beard. The bay of Cardiff can be seen behind them.

Sir Billy was joined by his family at the ceremony to unveil the updated plaque

Chair of the Codebreakers Committee, Sir Stanley Thomas, said Sir Billy's story continued to "inspire generations" across Wales and far beyond.

"We are proud that this statue stands as a lasting tribute to his extraordinary legacy."

Chair of the Heritage and Cultural Exchange, Gaynor Legall, said it should be a source of "pride and inspiration" for the community that shaped him.

"Growing up in Tiger Bay, his journey shows the strength and talent that came from our diverse neighbourhood.

"It also sends a message to today's young people, that their heritage is something to be proud of and that their ambitions have no limits."

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