RILEY NORTON: FROM STELLENBOSCH TO GLOBAL STAGE

Megan Grobler

@megan.gro_bler

 

From playing almost every sport his school had to offer in his scenic and historical hometown of Stellenbosch to representing South Africa in the 2024 International Cricket Council (ICC) under-19 Cricket World Cup and in addition captaining the Junior Springboks during the under-20 Rugby World Cup final in Italy. Riley Norton’s somewhat unconventional journey has been one of determination and resilience. 

Norton’s school days were filled with sport. During winter he would be playing rugby, while his summers were occupied by cricket. Luckily, according to Norton, both his coaches had a good relationship with one another and communicated constantly when it came to his overlapping schedule. When asked if juggling these sports, while focusing on school and his social life was a struggle, he stated: “In matric it was tough, you know, you only have so much time in a day, but I think you have a lot more time than people think you do – so there’s always time to train.”

Another tricky factor that played into his dual sport interest was preparing his body for the different seasons. He explained that playing cricket requires more mobility and agility, while in rugby, you are oftentimes encouraged to be bigger and stronger. In order for these paradoxical requirements to be met, his workout program, schedule and body had to be adequately prepared and adjusted.

After school, Norton had the difficult task of deciding whether to pursue rugby or cricket professionally after receiving opportunities for both. He has since been fully pursuing his rugby career after playing both sports for Paul Roos Gymnasium up until his matric year.

“I really owe a lot to cricket, but I definitely see myself more with rugby at this stage,” Norton explained.

Today, Norton is giving rugby “a proper go” as the captain of the SA under-20 rugby team. While this title and playing for such a highly respected team comes with its pressures and struggles, he continually highlighted his love and appreciation for the sport. Norton stated that, “At times, you know, you get tired. That’s how it goes, but I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else with my life.”

With idols like Springbok rugby player, Pieter Steph du Toit and SA international cricketer, Kagiso Rabada, it’s no wonder he has gotten to where he is today. Wapad asked Norton what it means to him, being captain of the South Africa under-20 rugby team, and he said, “It means a lot to me. I love South Africa and of course, the unbelievable sporting culture we have. It was really special to be a part of that.”

He also stated that he had an amazing support system consisting of family and friends that pulled him through, which largely contributed to his success today. “I owe a lot to them because at times I wanted to maybe stop one sport and pursue another one. They encouraged me to continue playing both sports. So, without them I don’t think I would’ve had the opportunities that I had.”

Norton described his leadership style as “calm” and “uplifting” as, “Everyone makes mistakes and has a tricky time. It’s just about keeping people calm and uplifting them when times get tough and just making sure that we stay in the moment for as long as possible, and that will give us the best opportunity to win.” However, Norton is not partial to winning, in reflection he told Wapad that he learnt more from the losses than he did the wins.

When asked what advice he had for young people thinking about pursuing two sports, he said, “Always know that you have more time than you think.” He went on to explain that it’s not necessary to make any big decisions while you’re in the beginning stages of high school. “It’s going to take hard work. It’s going to take lots of sacrifices, but I think you’ve got to understand that if you want to play both sports, you’re going to have to practice both sport.”

Norton also advised prospective sportsmen to carry on enjoying it. He explained that if during your journey you ever lose passion for the sport, it may be time to stop, and to, “Find your sport and find your passion. If you do that, your hard work and your sacrifices will all be worth it because you love it.”

Norton’s love and determination for sport are evident in his humble and passionate approach to the struggles and sacrifice it takes. He is a prime example of success well-earned.

Riley Norton playing cricket for South Africa in the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in 2024 (Source: Megan Grobler)

Edited by Mignon Walters