Wigan Council has confirmed that the square surrounding the bronze figure of the late Sir Billy Boston will be officially renamed Sir Billy Boston Square, ensuring the town centre landmark carries the name of the rugby league great into the future.
What is changing and why
The space currently known as Believe Square, situated on The Wiend beside Wigan Town Hall, is home to the ten-foot bronze statue of Sir Billy, which depicts him charging forward with the ball under his arm. The statue was sculpted by Steve Winterburn and was unveiled ten years ago. The council says the renaming is intended to "ensure his legacy continues" in the heart of the town.
Local and historical context
Sir Billy Boston remains one of Wigan’s most important sporting figures. A Cardiff-born winger who played for Wigan between 1953 and 1968, he scored 571 career tries, including 478 in 488 games for Wigan. He was the first player in rugby league’s 130-year history to be knighted and was given a knighthood in 2025. He died last month aged 92. In March this year a civic service marked the addition of a new plaque to his statue following that knighthood.
Responses from civic and sporting leaders
"He was a pioneer, an inspiration and someone who brought immense pride to the borough,"
Those were the words of Wigan Council leader Nazia Rehman, explaining the motivation behind the renaming. Wigan Warriors chief executive Kris Radlinski said the name will help future generations discover Sir Billy’s story, adding that people who never saw him play would now see his name and ask who he was.
- Location: Believe Square on The Wiend, next to Wigan Town Hall
- New name: Sir Billy Boston Square
- Statue: Ten-foot bronze by Steve Winterburn, unveiled ten years ago
What this means for Wigan
The change is a formal recognition by the local authority of Sir Billy’s cultural and sporting significance to Wigan. It embeds his name into the town’s physical fabric and will influence how residents and visitors navigate and narrate the civic heart of Wigan. With the statue already a focal point for fans and commemorations, the renaming will likely feature on maps, signage and civic events in years to come.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Career tries (total) | 571 |
| Tries for Wigan | 478 in 488 games |
| Age at death | 92 |
| Knighthood | Awarded in 2025 |
The council has not published a timetable for signage changes or a formal renaming ceremony. Residents and organisations who use the square for events and commemorations should expect the new name to be adopted in council communications and future wayfinding. The renaming follows a period of high public attention after Sir Billy’s funeral procession through Wigan and a service at the Warriors’ Brick Community Stadium earlier this month.
By placing his name on a central public space, the borough has taken a step to make sure that Sir Billy Boston’s story remains visible to those who pass through the town centre for generations to come.
