Brothers picked for different countries

Brothers James and Tom Knight, from Reepham, have both gained international rugby selection - but for different countries.

James, 20, has been selected to represent Scotland U20 in the Junior Rugby World Cup in Japan next month.

Yet younger brother Tom, 16, represented England U16 in the Four Nations tournament in Wales in April.

Dad Ian said: 'It must be unique to have brothers playing for different national sides. Both brothers were born in the Norfolk and Norwich … their grandfather was born in Dundee - hence the chance to play for Scotland.'

Also tasting sporting success is sister Hannah, 22, who plays for Thoroughbreds Netball Club who play in the National League.

James lives in Bedford these days as he plays centre for Bedford Blues, who next season will be playing in the National Championship. His team won he recent North Walsham sevens tournament.

He is currently back at home in Reepham - where he grew up and went to high school - until he flies out to Japan for the Junior World Cup at the end of the month.

Scotland will play Samoa on June 5, England on the 9th and the hosts on the 13th - and James is thoroughly looking forward to gaining his first international cap.

'It's going to be an awesome experience even just going to Japan,' he said. 'It should be brilliant, I can't wait to get out there.'

He found out a few weeks ago by email that he had gained his first international cap. 'I was pretty chuffed to say the least,' he said.

It's a strong possibility that he will face old pal Ben Youngs (who played with James at Holt then North Walsham and now plays for Leicester Tigers) as he has been selected for the England U20 squad.

'It's going to be good fun,' said James. 'Ben is in the England squad. It will be good fun playing against him. We have played together since we were six at Holt and then North Walsham.

'There is a very good bond between us. We have been mates for years - but we're competitive.'