The celebrated Cardiff Bay Rugby Codebreakers statue has been updated to reflect the recent knighthood of one of Wales’s greatest sporting icons – Billy Boston – now formally recognised as Sir William John Boston KBE.
Sir Billy and members of his family joined members of the Cardiff Bay Rugby Codebreakers Committee behind the statue’s installation at Landsea Square in Cardiff Bay to see the new plaque unveiled and recognise Sir Billy’s achievements in sport and his impact on race relations across Britain.
Stephen Boston, Sir Billy’s son, said:
“Dad is 90 now and living with dementia. At the investiture I thought the King was wonderful with him, and you could see how proud Dad felt. 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.
“He is very proud of being recognised here in Cardiff, his home city, it always means a great deal more to him. The honour has been a long time coming, and it means so much to him and to us as a family. The statue, which also features local rugby legends Clive Sullivan and Gus Risman, now bears Sir Billy’s full title, marking a proud moment for Cardiff and the wider Welsh sporting community.”
Chair of the Codebreakers Committee, Sir Stanley Thomas OBE, said:
“It is a tremendous honour to see Sir Billy Boston’s knighthood now reflected on the Cardiff Bay Rugby Codebreakers statue. The statue itself helped build momentum for the wider recognition of Billy, driven by the passion and pride of his local community. Billy is only one of four Welsh sportspeople ever to receive this accolade – a truly historic achievement.
“His story, from Tiger Bay to becoming one of the greatest players in rugby league history, continues to inspire generations across Wales and far beyond. His achievements on the field are remarkable, but it is his humility, dignity, and the pride with which he has always represented his community that make this recognition so special. We are proud that this statue stands as a lasting tribute to his extraordinary legacy.”
Leader of Cardiff Council and Vice Chair of the Codebreakers Committee, Cllr Huw Thomas, said:
“These players’ accomplishments had been undervalued for far too long. Sir Billy’s knighthood is the crowning achievement of an incredible career and life. Recognising it on the statue will help show generations to come that no matter the colour of their skin, where they grew up, or the challenges they face, anything is possible.”
Chair of the Heritage and Cultural Exchange, Gaynor Legall CBE, said:
“Sir Billy’s knighthood, now etched on the Cardiff Bay Rugby Codebreakers statue, is not only a celebration of his extraordinary personal achievements but a source of pride and inspiration for the community that shaped him.
“Growing up in Tiger Bay, his journey shows the strength and talent that came from our diverse neighbourhood, even when chances were few.
“It also sends a message to today’s young people, that their heritage is something to be proud of and that their ambitions have no limits. Sir Billy’s story continues to lift us all, reminding us that greatness can begin right here on our doorstep.”
