Sir Billy Boston and Fielden honoured at Lions reunion

Sir Billy Boston was the toast of the recent 2026 Rugby League Lions Association Annual Reunion Lunch which saw stuart fielden receive his lions heritage certifcate.

Sir Billy, who became the first man to be knighted for his Rugby League achievements in the King’s Birthday Honours last summer, ensured there were representatives from seven decades of touring present – having made a stunning impact with the 1954 Lions after moving to Wigan from Cardiff.

The 91-year-old received a standing ovation by guests present when he took to the stage to share memories of his time on the 1966 Great Britain tour alongside Ian Brooke and Colin Clarke.

The annual lunch featured a number of new attendees from more recent Lions tours; including Karl Harrison, Daryl Powell and Paul Sculthorpe MBE , who were presented with their Heritage Certificates by Alan Smith, the former Leeds and Great Britain winger.

Former Warrior Stuart Fielden, alongside James Roby, was presented with his certificates by Brian Noble MBE, who coached the duo in the 2006 Tri-Nations series when the Lions claimed a famous win in Sydney.

Abi Ekoku, the Interim CEO of the Rugby Football League, also received a Heritage Certificate having been Great Britain’s team manager for that 2006 Tri-Nations Series, as did Jon Sharp, who was one of Noble’s assistant coaches.

Abi Ekoku said: “It was a personal privilege and very special pleasure to attend my first Lions lunch on Sunday alongside a number of others who were attending the event for the first time. I was energised by what was an extremely impressive and enjoyable occasion.

“International representation is the pinnacle of sporting achievement, and it’s vitally important we as a sport continue to celebrate heroes of the past.  The Lions Luncheon delivered the perfect platform for some of the very best the sport has produced to meet, reflect and share their memories and achievements.

“It was a truly fantastic occasion, capped off by having Sir Billy Boston, Colin Clarke and Ian Brooke share a stage together.  It’s something I will never forget and sincerely hope to remain a part of the event moving forward.”

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