SIR BILLY BOSTON, FIRST RUGBY PLAYER TO BE KNIGHTED, PASSES AWAY

CARDIFF, AUGUST 25 /SRNA/ - Sir Billy Boston, the first rugby player to be awarded a knighthood, has died at the age of 92, the Welsh Rugby Union has announced.

Boston was described in a statement as one of Wales' best-loved and most legendary sportsmen.

The union said Boston died in hospital at his Wigan estate.

The statement added that Boston died four days after the funeral of his wife Lady Joan, to whom he had been married for 70 years, AFP reported.

Boston played rugby extensively during the 1950s and 1960s and became one of the greatest rugby players in British history.

Boston was knighted by King Charles III of Great Britain in June of last year.