Rugby league legend Sir Billy Boston should have been knighted years ago when he could have still fully appreciated its significance, his son has said. Stephen Boston explained: "Dad's got the dementia now and he is 90 - if he had got this 10 years ago he could [have] understood what was going on, why and how he got it, and he could enjoy it." The former Wigan Warriors star earlier this weekbecame the first rugby league playerto be knighted in the sport's 130-year history. Stephen, who attended the investiture along with his mum Joan and sisters Karen Murray and Christine Davies, said his dad's honour had been "a long time coming". "It was absolutely amazing," he said of the ceremony. "I thought the King was brilliant with him. "I thought my dad - who has his moments - was brilliant and really enjoyed it. It's a big thing." He said his dad had "leaned into me on the way out and said 'that's the biggest honour I've ever received' and I was quite taken aback because normally he wouldn't understand what's going on". At the investiture, Sir Billy also enjoyed some banter with King Charles. Stephen said: "The King told dad, 'I played rugby in the Army but it is not as dangerous as the sport you do'. "Dad said, 'No, your job is much more dangerous'!" Cardiff-born Sir Billy scored 478 tries in 488 matches for Wigan after making the switch from rugby union - then an amateur game - to the professional ranks of rugby league in 1953. Sir Billy, who has family links to Ireland and Sierra Leone, was in 1954 the first black player on a Great Britain rugby league Lions tour. He scored 36 tries in 18 appearances around Australia and New Zealand, including a then-record four in one match against the Kiwis. He made two more Lions tours - in 1958 and 1962 - and ended with 24 tries in 31 Test appearances for Great Britain. Politicians and rugby league's biggest names campaigned for him to become the sport's first knight. Stephen said he thought it was "scandalous" that it had taken so long. He also has no doubt about who the next one should be - former Leeds Rhinos and England star Kevin Sinfield, who has since become equally synonymous withraising awareness about motor neurone disease. The 44-year-old has embarked on a series of fundraising efforts inspired by his late teammate Rob Burrow, who died of the disease last year. "It has to be Kevin," said Stephen. "He is superhuman and has put the disease on the map!" Listen to the best ofBBC Radio Manchester on Soundsand follow BBC Manchester onFacebook,X, andInstagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
'I wish dad was knighted before he had dementia', says son of rugby league pioneer
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Rugby League Pioneer Sir Billy Boston Receives Historic Knighthood"
Bbc News
7.9
TruthLens AI Summary
Rugby league icon Sir Billy Boston has received a long-awaited knighthood, making history as the first player in the sport to be honored in such a way. His son, Stephen Boston, expressed a sense of regret that his father, now 90 years old and suffering from dementia, was unable to fully appreciate the significance of this honor. Stephen reflected on how meaningful the knighthood would have been for his father a decade ago when he could have grasped its implications and enjoyed the moment more fully. The investiture ceremony was attended by family members, including Stephen's mother Joan and sisters Karen and Christine. Stephen described the event as "absolutely amazing," noting that his father had moments of clarity and was able to engage positively with King Charles, who shared a light-hearted exchange with Sir Billy regarding the dangers of rugby compared to the King's military service.
Sir Billy Boston's remarkable rugby career began when he transitioned from rugby union to rugby league in 1953. He became a prolific scorer for the Wigan Warriors, achieving a staggering record of 478 tries in 488 matches. His contributions to the sport were groundbreaking, as he was the first black player to join a Great Britain rugby league Lions tour in 1954. Over his career, he made significant contributions to the national team, scoring 24 tries in 31 Test appearances. The delay in recognizing his achievements with a knighthood has drawn criticism from both politicians and sports figures, with Stephen labeling it "scandalous." He also advocated for the knighthood of former Leeds Rhinos star Kevin Sinfield, who has been a prominent advocate for motor neurone disease awareness following the death of his teammate Rob Burrow. Stephen believes that Sinfield's contributions to charity and sports exemplify the qualities deserving of such an honor.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the recent knighthood of Sir Billy Boston, a significant figure in rugby league, and the poignant reflections of his son, Stephen Boston. This news not only celebrates an individual achievement but also delves into themes of recognition, legacy, and the impact of dementia on appreciation of such honors.
Recognition and Legacy
The son’s remarks underscore a sense of urgency regarding recognition for athletes, particularly those who have made groundbreaking contributions. Stephen Boston expresses a deep regret that his father received this honor at a time when he is unable to fully appreciate its significance due to dementia. This sentiment resonates with many who feel that contributions to sports and society should be acknowledged while individuals can still celebrate their achievements.
Public Sentiment and Perception
The article reflects a broader public sentiment regarding the timing of honors in relation to an individual’s health. It subtly critiques the delay in Sir Billy's knighthood, suggesting that it is "scandalous" that it took so long for him to receive this recognition. This could foster a sense of urgency in advocating for timely recognition of others in similar situations, potentially influencing public opinion on how honors are awarded.
Potential Hidden Agendas
While the article focuses on a personal story, it may also serve to draw attention to broader issues surrounding dementia and the treatment of aging sports legends. By highlighting Sir Billy’s condition, it brings attention to the need for support for individuals suffering from dementia, as well as the importance of recognizing their contributions before it’s too late. There could be an underlying agenda to push for better recognition and support systems for aging athletes.
Manipulative Elements and Trustworthiness
The article employs emotional language and personal anecdotes that may evoke sympathy from readers. While this can enhance engagement, it can also be viewed as manipulative if it distracts from more systemic issues related to sports honors and health care. Despite this, the article is grounded in factual reporting regarding Sir Billy’s achievements and the significance of his knighthood, lending it a degree of credibility.
Community Support
This news is likely to resonate more with communities that value sports history and the contributions of marginalized individuals, particularly in rugby league. Sir Billy Boston’s achievements as a pioneering black athlete can inspire discussions about diversity and recognition in sports.
Economic and Political Implications
While the article itself may not directly impact stock markets or economic indicators, it can stimulate conversations around sports funding and the recognition of athletes, potentially influencing policies regarding sports honors. Public interest in such stories can also affect sponsorships and investments in related fields.
Global Context
The story of Sir Billy Boston intersects with ongoing discussions about race, legacy, and health, particularly in the context of aging populations worldwide. It has relevance in today's discourse about how societies honor their pioneers, making it timely and significant.
AI in Journalism
There is a possibility that AI tools were used in drafting or editing this article, particularly in structuring the narrative or enhancing readability. AI models could have influenced the tone, making it more engaging or emotionally resonant. However, it primarily reflects human storytelling, focusing on personal experiences.
In conclusion, while the article serves to honor Sir Billy Boston and raise awareness about dementia, it also subtly critiques societal values regarding recognition and legacy, making it a multifaceted piece that resonates on various levels. The overall trustworthiness of the article is strengthened by its factual basis, despite some emotional framing that might be seen as manipulative.