Glossop teen to represent England

A teenage rugby star from Glossop is set to represent his nation this summer. 

Billy-Buster Knight (pictured left), who recently turned 16, has been selected to feature for the England Community Lions side in their three upcoming internationals. 

The Gamesley resident stood out from the hundreds of players who attended last month’s trials, making the final 20-man squad that will take on Wales, Scotland and Ireland in May. 

In making the squad, Billy-Buster follows on in his father Ryan’s footsteps, who represented the Lions in the early 2000’s. 

Billy-Buster is also the younger brother of Wakefield Trinity academy star Harry Knight, who signed a two-year deal with the Super League side back in 2025.  

The talented teen began his early career at Saddleworth Rangers, where his ability was evident even from a young age: 

“He stepped onto the pitch at six years old, and it was clear from the start that he wasn’t scared to take on the much bigger and much older players,” revealed Dad Ryan, who was also the team’s coach. 

“After a few games of chasing his first try, he shot off down the wing with his now famed footwork and speed and dived in the corner to score to become the youngest ever try scorer for the club.” 

But as Billy-Buster grew, his dedication to the sport began to dwindle, before a traumatic event changed everything:  

“Over the years it has been evident that he loved to play rugby league, but unlike his brother Harry, he didn’t enjoy training,” Ryan told the Chronicle.   

“This continued all the way up to the end of 2024, when my father Tommy, Billy-Buster’s grandad sadly passed away following a short and sudden battle with cancer.  

“When his Grandad was in hospital, Billy-Buster made a promise to him that he would knuckle down, train hard and go for it. 

“He has certainly kept his promise, and the boy who just loved to play, is now a young man who trains hard, completes extra training and is on track to follow his dream.” 

 The 16-year-old caught the eye of a number of Super League clubs with his stellar performances for Saddleworth last season, including the now liquidated Salford Red Devils. 

This season has been an equally strong one for Billy-Buster, who has been offered trials at his brother Harry’s side Wakefield Trinity. 

The Glossopdale student also plays rugby union for Glossop’s under-16s side, and his try scoring exploits have inspired the club to make the upcoming NLD Cup final. 

Billy-Buster is also a star striker for his local side Tintwistle Athletic, netting over 50 goals last season, but has since been forced to give up football due to his busy training schedule. 

After overcoming adversity, Billy-Buster is now one step closer to achieving his dream, something his family are extremely proud of: 

“I am so happy to see Billy-Buster handle the most difficult time of his life in a much more positive manner than I did,” said dad Ryan. 

“Off the back of playing for England Lions back in 2000 and 2001, I went on to sign a professional contract for the Sheffield Eagles.  

“Unfortunately, my brother passed away, and I stopped training and caring, and eventually walked away from professional rugby. 

“He is so proud of himself, and is so excited to represent his country.  

“Representing England Community Lions moves him a step closer to securing a professional contract with a Super League side come the end of the season. 

“We are all so proud of him.”