Rugby legend home as statue’s plaque reflects his knighthood

ONE of Wales’ favourite sons was back on his old stamping ground yesterday as the plaque was updated on his statue in Cardiff Bay.

- ROB COLE

Billy Boston, born in Angelina Street in the heart of Tiger Bay 91 years ago, paid his first visit to Cardiff since King Charles turned him into Sir William John Boston KBE this summer.

It turned into a big family trip for Sir Billy, Lady Joan and a number of relatives as he headed back home to see his name on the side of the Cardiff Bay Codebreakers statue in Landsea Gardens brought up to date to reflect his knighthood.

Two years ago the Codebreakers statue was unveiled after a public appeal helped to raise almost £300,000 to honour three rugby league giants from the area - Gus Risman, Clive Sullivan and Sir Billy.

“Dad is 91 now and living with dementia, and at the investiture I thought the King was wonderful with him, and you could see how proud Dad felt,’ said Sir Billy’s son, Stephen.

“He leaned over to me and said, “That's the greatest honour I've ever received’ - and to hear that from him was very moving. But he loves coming back to Cardiff, and the ceremony at the statue was another great experience for him.

“He is very proud of being recognised here in Cardiff, his home city. It always means a great deal more to him.