One of Cardiff’s favourite sons was back on his old stamping ground at the weekend as his name new title was updated on his statue in Cardiff Bay.
Billy Boston, born in Angelina Street in the heart of Tiger Bay 91 years ago, made his first visit to Cardiff since King Charles turned him into Sir William John Boston KBE this summer.
It turned into a big family trip for Sir Billy, Lady Joan and a number of relatives as he headed back home to see his name on the side of the Cardiff Bay Codebreakers statue in Landsea Gardens brought up to date to reflect his knighthood.
Two years ago the Codebreakers statue was unveiled after a public appeal helped to raise almost £300,000 to honour three rugby league giants from the area – Gus Risman, Clive Sullivan and Sir Billy.
“Dad is 91 now and living with dementia, and at the investiture I thought the King was wonderful with him, and you could see how proud Dad felt,” said Sir Billy’s son, Stephen.
“He leaned over to me and said, ‘that’s the greatest honour I’ve ever received’ – and to hear that from him was very moving. But he loves coming back to Cardiff and the ceremony at the statue was another great experience for him.
“He is very proud of being recognised here in Cardiff, his home city. It always means a great deal more to him.
“The knightood has been a long time coming, and it means so much to him and to us as a family. The statue, which also features local rugby legends Clive Sullivan and Gus Risman, now bears Sir Billy’s full title, marking a proud moment for Cardiff and the wider Welsh sporting community.”
Bily Boston’s statue has been updated.
Sir Stanley Thomas led the committee that pulled the project together and it had the wholehearted backing of the local council.
The leader of Cardiff Council, Cllr Huw Thomas, said he was thrilled with the latest upgrade to what is one of the biggest and most striking statues in Wales.
“These players’ accomplishments had been undervalued for far too long. Sir Billy’s knighthood is the crowning achievement of an incredible career and life,” said Cllr Thomas.
“Recognising it on the statue will help show generations to come that no matter the colour of their skin, where they grew up, or the challenges they face, anything is possible.”
Billy became only the fourth Welsh sportsman to receive a knighthood after Olympic gold medalist Sir Harry Llewellyn and rugby players Sir Gareth Edwards and Sir Gerald Davies. Tanni Grey-Thompson is a Dame.
“The statue itself helped build momentum for the wider recognition of Billy, driven by the passion and pride of his local community. Billy is only one of four Welsh sportspeople ever to receive this accolade – a truly historic achievement,” said Sir Stanley Thomas.
“His story, from Tiger Bay to becoming one of the greatest players in rugby league history, continues to inspire generations across Wales and far beyond.
“His achievements on the field are remarkable, but it is his humility, dignity, and the pride with which he has always represented his community that make this recognition so special.”
Sir Billy was joined by his family at the ceremony.
Gaynor Legall, a driving force on the Codebreakers committee and chair of the Heritage and Cultural Exchange in Cardiff Bay, made it a double celebration for the area this smmer when her work for the community was recognised with the awarding of a CBS by the Prince Royal at Windsor Castle.
“Sir Billy’s knighthood, now etched on the Cardiff Bay Rugby Codebreakers statue, is not only a celebration of his extraordinary personal achievements but a source of pride and inspiration for the community that shaped him,” said Legall.
“Growing up in Tiger Bay, his journey shows the strength and talent that came from our diverse neighbourhood, even when chances were few.
“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.
“Sir Billy’s story continues to lift us all, reminding us that greatness can begin right here on our doorstep.”
The updated plaque after the knighthood
As well as winning every honour in the game, from Lancashire Cup and League to three Challenge Cup wins with Wigan, a First Division crown, three Ashes test series triumphs and a World Cup triumph with Great Britain, Sir Billy was made MBE in 1996 for services to the community of Wigan.
In 2016 he was placed among five players on the rugby league statue at Wembley and a month later unveiled his own statue in Wigan.
In July 2023, he came home to unveil the Codebreakers statue before King Charles made him a Knight Bachelor in his Birthday Honours.
The first statue erected in Cardiff was to honour John Crichton-Stuart, the 2nd Marquis of Bute, back in 1853.
He was the founder of Cardiff docks and now Sir Billy, one of the greatest products of the area, is among 24 people honoured with statues across the city.
Legendary Wesh rugby league star Billy Boston in his prime. Pic: Alamy
