The year was 1953 and an 18-year-old Billy Boston, from Cardiff’s Tiger Bay, was starring while playing rugby union for the Royal Signals in Catterick, as part of his national service. His performances drew interest and it was rugby league club Wigan who won the race for his signature.
It was the dream of Boston, the son of a father from Sierra Leone and a mother from Cardiff, to represent his city and his country in rugby union. But because of the colour of his skin, the Welshman was denied that opportunity. At his mother’s encouragement, Boston joined the Cherry and Whites 77 years ago and embarked on a remarkable career that has never been, nor will ever be, emulated.
The first Black player to represent Great Britain on tour in 1954, scoring 24 tries in just 31 international caps. The first player to score four tries in a game for the Lions against New Zealand.
A rugby league World Cup winner with Great Britain four years later and a three-time Ashes winner, the wonderful winger went on to reach Wembley six times, winning three Challenge Cups with his club.
‘Billy was a sensation’
