Riley Norton, a name once prominent in junior cricket circles, is now making headlines on the rugby pitch, leading South Africa to their third-ever U20 World Rugby Championship final. The multifaceted athlete, who represented South Africa at the U19 Cricket World Cup just last year, is proving to be a formidable force in a different sport.
Norton, a fast-bowling all-rounder in his cricketing days, showcased his talent at the 2024 ICC Under-19 World Cup. He was a key contributor with both bat and ball, taking 11 wickets – second only to the now internationally capped Kwena Maphaka among his teammates – at an impressive average of 18.36. His batting prowess was also evident, averaging 50 with two unbeaten innings out of three, including a crucial 41 not out against Sri Lanka that rescued South Africa from a precarious 133/8 to a respectable 232/8. He then followed that up with a match-winning 4/28, guiding his team to the semifinals.
Despite his cricketing potential and eligibility, Norton has since shifted his focus. He is currently in Italy, captaining the South African U20 rugby team in the 2025 World Rugby U20 Championship. His leadership has been instrumental in the "Baby Boks'" dominant run to the final.
South Africa’s journey to the summit clash has been impressive. They topped their group with resounding victories over Australia (73-17), defending champions England (32-22), and Scotland (73-14). Their momentum continued into the semifinals, where they convincingly defeated Argentina (48-24). They are now set to face New Zealand in the final on July 20 at the Stadio Mario Battaglini in Rovigo.
Speaking after the semifinal victory, Norton expressed his pride in the team's effort. “I am just so incredibly proud of the team for an outstanding effort against a tough opponent," SA Rugby quoted him as saying. He highlighted the team's resilience against Argentina's strong set-piece play, stating, "The players just stayed in the fight and focused on the next job, and that’s why we could defend for such a long period."
While international cricketers playing international rugby is not unheard of (Namibia's Rudie van Vuuren notably did so at the senior level in the same year), Norton's transition and success at the World Cup level in both sports at such a young age is a truly remarkable feat. South Africa will be hoping he can lead them to their third U20 World Rugby Championship title, adding another extraordinary chapter to his burgeoning sporting career.
