Riley Norton, a first-year BCom Investment Management student at Stellenbosch University (SU), has quickly become a household name in South African school sports. At just 18 years old, he has achieved South African schools’ colours in both rugby and cricket, a distinction held by only a few athletes in the country.
Riley’s sporting career is deeply rooted in family tradition. His father, Chris Norton, played for Maties Rugby from 1991 to 2003 and now contributes to the Maties Rugby Supporters’ Club, remaining a loyal supporter.
Last year, while representing South Africa at the U19 Cricket World Cup and earning accolades for his skills as an all-rounder, he realized during his Matric year that he loved rugby just a little more than cricket. Riley has followed in his father’s footsteps, joining Maties Rugby this year as a student athlete.
Despite his demanding sports schedule, Riley maintains a strong academic record. However, he is still adjusting to life as a university student, which is less structured than high school. Students are expected to be self-motivated and manage their own time effectively. Riley credits his success to effective time management and the support of his lecturers.
“It is extremely tough at times to manage, like a combat class. I have to give myself adequate time to study and it has definitely been harder than high school because everything is built around your schedule at high school. At university, you’re basically on your own.” But it has definitely been a good challenge, something that I enjoy. It’s nice to be busy and I enjoy being busy,” says Norton.
Riley says that his always wanted to go to Stellenbosch University (SU) because of his father, and it’s a shared common goal by many students at Paul Roos Gymnasium High School. He says that he has always loved the SU campus and the people, and being close to home is an added bonus.
Unfortunately, Riley had to sit out the 2025 Varsity Cup campaign due to an injury. “To finally get an opportunity to wear the Maroon jersey will be special to me, of course for my dad as well. Maroon runs through our blood. To represent Maties is something that’s big for us as a family, big for me personally and something that I can hopefully do soon,” says Norton.
Aside from being a Maties student, Norton captained the Junior Springboks for the U20 Rugby Championship, which took place in the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha, where the baby Boks ended the tournament in third place. He played alongside fellow Maties Rugby players Oliver Reid and Herman Lubbe and described the experience of playing with them as “amazing”. Norton mentioned they have formed friendships since their time in school while competing in Craven Week.
“Me and Oli (Reid) go way back to grade 6 playing Western Province U12 together. To play alongside some Maties Rugby players made everything a bit easier because I’ve known these guys for long and I’ve built connections and relationships with them. It’s great to relate to someone that you’ve known for longer than just the time being with a junior Springboks. They’re unbelievable players and there’s great trust between us. I never have to doubt on the field, that they’re always there to help and support,” says Norton.
Riley says it’s a massive privilege to lead the Junior Springboks, he has always been very passionate about South African sport and everything that it has to offer. “It’s been a special few months, something that I don’t take for granted. I’m trying to enjoy every single moment and give everything I have.”
When asked about his leadership, he says that it’s not about working by himself, but to make sure everyone is working towards one goal.
“I try to empower the people around me and make sure that everyone’s comfortable, everyone’s happy and we can move together and become close and build relationships off the field,” says Norton.
The Junior Boks were visited during a training session by Siya Kolisi in Gqeberha, the home province of the Springbok captain. One important takeaway from the conversation, according to Norton, was the significance of being a good person both on and off the field. Kolisi emphasized that if you have good values and good morals, then life will reward you. But never take putting on the Springbok jersey for granted. Rugby can only take you so far in life, and it’s essential to be kind.
“His message was, to make sure that every single day you bring your best – you’ve been given a God-given talent and you must showcase what you have. Never take it for granted and that the whole country is backing you,” says Norton.
With his exceptional talent and work ethic, Riley Norton is poised to make significant contributions to the sporting landscape in South Africa. His journey serves as an inspiration to young athletes who are balancing sports and academics. We are excited to see him in a Maties jersey and look forward to the experience of watching him on the field at the iconic Danie Craven Stadium soon.
By Jamie Wyngaardt