Sir Billy Boston funeral sees thousands line Wigan streets to say goodbye to rugby league legend who 'broke barriers'

Sir Billy Boston funeral sees thousands line Wigan streets to say goodbye to rugby league legend who 'broke barriers' Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: "Billy broke barriers at a time when racism and prejudice could make it incredibly difficult for people from his background to reach the very top of British sport" Thousands have turned out to pay their respects to rugby league legend Sir Billy Boston - as Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he was a man who “broke barriers”. One of the greatest ever players in the 131-year history of the sport, Sir Billy was a trailblazer for black sports stars in the 1950s and 60s. He passed away on August 24, aged 92, just four days after the death of his beloved wife of 70 years, Lady Joan. In June last year he became the first rugby league player to receive a knighthood. King Charles bestowed the honour on him in a private ceremony at Buckingham Palace. The Welsh winger, who was born in Tiger Bay in Cardiff revealed he had been living with vascular dementia in 2016. Wigan Warriors fans were invited to say farewell to Sir Billy as his funeral took place at the club’s The Brick Community Stadium. The current Wigan squad formed a guard of honour at the entrance of the town's stadium as the funeral cortege arrived. Giving the eulogy on Sir Billy and his wife, their son Stephen said: “We are all going to miss you both but you will never be forgotten and are in all our hearts. It was a privilege to call you mum and dad, thanks.” Sir Billy scored 478 tries in 487 matches for Wigan after making the switch from union to rugby league in 1953. He scored a total of 571 tries in his career, making him the second-highest try scorer in rugby league history. Andy Burnham, who attended the funeral of his friend with local MP Lisa Nandy, released a statement earlier this week saying Sir Billy “broke barriers”. He wrote: “I know that I am among many thousands that are heartbroken that we have lost him. Billy was one of the greatest Rugby League players of all time. The skill and precision with which he played inspired a generation of players who followed. He truly put Rugby League on the map. “But anyone who knew him will tell you that his greatness wasn’t just about what he achieved on the pitch. It was also about the man he was off the pitch. Billy broke barriers at a time when racism and prejudice could make it incredibly difficult for people from his background to reach the very top of British sport. “He didn’t just overcome those barriers himself, he helped make the path easier for those who came after him. And he did it without ever losing his humility.” Kris Radlinski, CEO of Wigan Warriors, said: “He arrived here as a young Welshman and leaves as part of the soul and identity of this town. He was an example of overcoming the prejudice of his time through talent, courage and sheer determination.” He revealed Believe Square, in the centre of Wigan where a bronze statue of the legendary player stands, is going to be renamed Sir Billy Boston Square. Earlier thousands of people lined the route to pay their respects as the funeral cortege passed through the centre of Wigan. The route began at The Bold Hotel at 11.20am, before stopping at Honeysuckle, Wigan Town Hall, The Griffin, Uncle Joe’s and then proceeding towards the stadium. Fans were asked to make a £1 donation, with all going to Wigan & Leigh Hospice in memory of Sir Billy and Lady Joan. The family asked fans to wear traditional funeral attire, but items of Cherry Red could be worn such as scarves, ties and headwear. Sir Billy’s coffin was carried out of the stadium to Simply The Best ahead of a private burial service. He was made an MBE, given the freedom of Wigan in 2000 and has statues in Wigan, Cardiff Bay and at Wembley. Sir Billy grew up playing union but was overlooked by his home club in Cardiff. He came to the attention of rugby league scouts while on national service in the north of England, signing for Wigan in 1953 as a 19-year-old. He was picked for the 1954 Great Britain side and was the first black British player to tour Australia and New Zealand.