William Thornton (birth unknown – death unknown) was an English professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1930s and 1940s.
He played at representative level for England, and at club level for Hunslet, as a scrum-half.
Billy Thornton won a cap for England while at Hunslet in 1943 against Wales.
[2] Billy Thornton played scrum-half in Hunslet's 8-2 victory over Leeds in the Championship Final during the 1937–38 season at Elland Road, Leeds on Saturday 30 April 1938.
[3] Billy Thornton played scrum-half in Hunslet FC's 7-13 defeat by Hull Kingston Rovers in the 1929–30 Yorkshire Cup Final during the 1929–30 season at Headingley, Leeds on Saturday 30 November 1929, in front of a crowd of 11,000.