Rugby league is in mourning after the death of one of the sport’s all-time greats, Sir Billy Boston.

Sir Billy, who last year became the first former rugby league player to receive a knighthood, was 92. The news was confirmed by Wales Rugby Union, who described him as “one of the best loved and most iconic figures in the history of Welsh sport”.

His death came only four days after the funeral of his wife, Lady Joan, to whom he had been married for 70 years. Signed by Wigan as an 18-year-old in 1953, Boston scored 571 tries in 564 games before hanging up his boots in 1971 following a brief spell with Blackpool Borough. He played 31 Tests for Great Britain, from 1954-63, including three Lions tours.

Sir Billy Boston seen at a Rugby League Lions reunion in February this year. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.

Wigan Warriors coach Matt Peet led rugby league’s tributes. He said: “On behalf of myself, our coaching staff and players, from the first team through to our academy, we send our deepest condolences to Sir Billy’s family, friends and loved ones at this incredibly sad time.

“Billy Boston is woven into the fabric of this club. Those fortunate enough to have seen him play tell me he was simply the greatest. His achievements, the man he was and the standards he set will continue to inspire everyone who pulls on this shirt.

“His legacy goes far beyond records and trophies. His impact on Wigan, on rugby league and on the wider sporting world was recognised at the very highest level. Sir Billy Boston will always be one of Wigan Warriors’ greatest sons and he will never be forgotten.”

Among his personal milestones, Boston was the first non-white player to be selected to tour Australia and New Zealand, in 1954. Commemorated on rugby league’s Wembley statue, he was awarded an MBE in 1996 and was a member of the Rugby League, Wigan Warriors and Welsh Sport Halls of Fame.

Leeds Rhinos expressed their condolences in a post on social media. It said: “A true legend of our game who will never be forgotten. Our thoughts are with the Wigan Warriors family and all who knew him.”

Castleford Tigers added: “Rugby League’s First Knight leaves an indelible legacy on the world, the legendary winger was ‘everyone’s hero’ and will be sorely missed by all who knew him and our community at large We send our most sincere condolences to his family and friends at this very sad time. Rest in peace, Sir Billy.”

Wakefield Trinity wrote: “[We] would like to join the Rugby League world in passing on our thoughts and condolences to the family and friends of one of the sport’s true greats, Sir Billy Boston. A true legend of the game, he will be dearly missed and never forgotten! Rest In Peace, Sir.”

RFL chairman Nigel Wood also paid tribute. He said: “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.”