Rugby league legend Sir Billy Boston left six-figure fortune after his death aged 92

SIR Billy Boston left a six-figure fortune when he died aged 92 – but the rugby league legend did not have a will.

The , just weeks after his wife Lady Joan passed away following 70 years of marriage.

Legal papers released on September 10 revealed Sir Billy’s was initially valued at £200,000.

But after deductions, the net value stood at £127,000.

His son Stephen was named as an administrator of the estate after papers were issued in the High Court.

The fortune is most likely to be divided between his three surviving , Christine, Karen and Stephen.

Sir Billy and Lady Joan had five children in total.

Their daughter Angela died aged 51 in 2016 following a battle with cancer.

Another daughter, Lisa, died in 2024 aged 66 after a long illness.

Sir Billy was laid to rest on September 10, with Prime Minister among those attending his funeral at Wigan Warriors’ Brick Community Stadium.

Prior to the service, a cortège passed through Wigan on its way towards the stadium in the Greater Manchester town.

Fans came to pay tribute, including many of the club’s current squad, laying Wigan-themed cherry-red items at the memorial.

He died at Ambleside Bank Nursing Home in Wigan, where he had been living with vascular .

The great was regarded as one of the finest players ever to grace the sport.

Born William John Boston in Cardiff on August 6, 1934, he moved from to league after being called up for National Service.

He joined Wigan in 1953 for £3,000 and spent 15 years with the club.

Boston became one of the sport’s first black superstars and smashed an incredible 478 tries in 487 appearances for Wigan.

He helped the club win three Challenge Cups before finishing his career with a brief spell at .

Boston was also a Great Britain hero and helped the side win the World Cup in 1960.

His achievements made him a sporting icon and he was later honoured with a statue by Wigan fans.

But his career came after he had faced prejudice because of the colour of his skin.

A contract with Cardiff never materialised because the club did not offer terms to black and mixed-race players at the time.

Sir Billy was finally knighted by in June last year, becoming the first rugby league star to receive the honour.

Then-PM hailed him as a legend who had “overcame prejudice” and helped open the door to a more diverse game.

His death was described by Mr Burnham as the passing of a “giant of a man”.

He said Sir Billy was one of the greatest players ever but also “one of the kindest and most down-to-earth people you could ever wish to meet”.

Mr Burnham added: “He always had time for people and gave so much back to his adopted home, Wigan.

“I will miss him greatly and am thinking today of Billy’s family, still grieving the recent loss of his beloved wife Joan.

“A giant of a man in every way. Thank you, Billy, and rest in peace.”