Wigan is preparing to honor Sir Billy Boston, a rugby league icon who was the first player in the sport’s 130-year history to be awarded a knighthood. Boston, who passed away last month at the age of 92, will be laid to rest at the Wigan Warriors' Brick Community Stadium at 12:30 BST. A small number of supporters will be allowed to attend the event. Before the funeral service, a procession will travel through the town and arrive at the stadium. The West Stand will be open as Sir Billy makes his final journey through the Stadium Tunnel. A private burial will follow. The Boston family has asked attendees to wear traditional funeral attire, though they may also wear items of Wigan Warriors’ cherry red, such as scarves, ties, or headwear. People are encouraged to line the route as the funeral procession passes through Wigan. Sir Billy Boston was born in Cardiff in 1934 and played rugby union as a child, but he was not selected by his local club. During his national service in northern England, he caught the attention of rugby league scouts and signed with Wigan in 1953 at the age of 19. He was chosen for the 1954 Great Britain team and became the first Black British player to tour Australia and New Zealand. His talent was extraordinary—Boston reached 100 career tries in just 68 matches and scored 478 tries in 488 games for Wigan, helping the club win three Challenge Cups and the Championship. In total, he scored 571 tries in his career, a record that was only surpassed by Australian rugby league legend Brian Bevan. Boston’s career was marked by both athletic brilliance and historic significance. As one of the few Black players in British rugby league at the time, he broke barriers and paved the way for future generations. His performances on the field earned him widespread respect, and his knighthood in 2013 was a recognition of his contributions to the sport and his community. Beyond his on-field achievements, Boston was known for his humility and dedication to Wigan, where he became a beloved figure. The funeral will be a fitting tribute to a man who left an indelible mark on rugby league. As the procession moves through Wigan, fans and residents will have the opportunity to pay their respects to a legend who helped shape the sport’s history. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew him and in the records he set, which continue to inspire players today.