Chris Norton gave his all as a Maties Rugby Hooker for 12 years from 1991 to 2003, and now he is giving back as a driving force in the Maties Rugby Supporters’ Club. But his biggest legacy gift for the Club could well be through his son, Riley, who joins the Maties FNB Varsity Cup Squad in this 150th celebration year.
Chris came to Stellenbosch directly after school in 1991 to be a Matie and has never left – the town nor the Club which he loves with as much passion as his family: wife Andrea, eldest son Tim, middle son Kei, and Riley.
Riley’s mind-blowing CV at the tender age 18 is enough to reduce many an adult champion to feelings of inadequacy … U19 South African Cricket World Cup, Paul Roos Head Boy, Western Province Cricket AND Rugby. Now he is a first year BCom Investment Management student and a proud newcomer as a lock to the Maties FNB Varsity Cup squad.
Maties Rugby sat down to chat with father and son:
What brought you to Maties Rugby and Stellenbosch?
Chris: I am from Mkanda (Grahamstown) and as a St Andrews player we came to play Bishops in 1990. I went to watch an intervarsity between Maties and UCT at Newlands and decided then and there that I was joining Maties.
I came straight after school … a real culture shock for a real (and rare) Engelsman in Matieland! We could write in English back then but the questions were in Afrikaans, which presented quite a challenge. Needless to say, I am now “heeltemal tweetalig”!
Riley: I was born here, went to Paul Roos, and through my father and family, I have grown up with Maties Rugby as part of life. Stellenbosch was my only choice for university, and Maties Rugby my goal.
What does it mean to play as a Matie?
Riley: I’m so grateful to be part of the VC Squad. I will put in the hard work needed and hopefully continue my dad’s legacy. That maroon jersey means a lot.
Chris: I could not have dreamed when I arrived that I would end up playing for the 1st team and for Maties for 13 years. One of the greatest days of my life was playing with Springbok legends such as Breyton Paulse, Stuart Abbott, Neil de Kock, Gio Aplon and Schalk Burger.
I had not even played Craven week but I was proof that with the right attitude, applying the ethos and values, showing mettle and hard, hard work, you can make it.
I played hooker – I’m a bit shorter than Riley! A long career because as an open club, I could stay on after my BA Hons (in History and Xhosa) and finally retired in 2003 at the age of 28 … but have stayed on in other ways.
Riley, you had to make a decision between Cricket and Rugby. How did you choose Rugby?
Riley: It was tough because Cricket has done a lot for me and taught me a great deal. My dad told me to do what I loved and during matric I realised that I loved rugby just a bit more … the unbeatable camaraderie, the inspiration of the Springboks – and Maties Rugby!
Chris: He would have had my full support either way. It is sad that I won’t watch him bowl or bat again but I’m really chuffed that he chose rugby and that the family’s Maties Rugby tradition will continue.
How has rugby impacted your life and shaped you?
Chris: I’ve seen and experienced the world through rugby - Argentina, Japan, England – and met amazing people, been exposed to different cultures and made lifelong friends over 30 years. Incredible memories – playing for Oxford against Cambridge at Twickenham in front of 75 000 spectators, winning the Club Championships against RAU in 2000…
It has taught me self-discipline, teamwork, true grit to fight to the end, and inclusivity. Rugby isn’t just about being big and strong; there is a space for everyone – specially these days with more strategy and less brute force.
It is the only full contact team sport where people can be brutal with each other for 80 minutes and then connect over a beer afterwards – priceless!
Riley: For me it equips you with skills and habits to succeed off the field: commitment to a goal, work ethic, courage. And it also teaches you how to live outside of your own bubble. There is so much diversity in Rugby that comes together for a common goal. Nothing unites more than sport, particularly Rugby. I welcome Women’s Rugby. They go through the same rigorous stuff that men go through and I hope they get more exposure.
How has university Rugby changed over the past 10 years?
Chris: The demands on student-athletes now is so hectic. There is so much more involved as student Rugby moves to more professional high-performance standards. We had fewer games and competitions but now it’s a year-long season if you include training and all the extras. But the conditioning is good to ensure long careers. In my day we just dived into scrums head-first … and often paid the price.
Riley: I have always had to find balance between sport and study discipline – and time for leisure – at school. So, this is quite normal for me. I also have a tremendous support system, both at Maties and at home. My brothers are my biggest supporters. You just have to be very organised. I feel playing in a high-performance team is a great honour, so that pushes me further.
Who is your personal Rugby hero?
Riley: Pieter-Stef du Toit. World Player of the Year twice who consistently gave 110 percent. His father donated a tendon to enable him to carry on. Very inspirational.
Chris: Can’t help you there, Riley. I don’t have tendons anymore! For me, my rugby heroes are my boys. First Tim and Kei and then along came Riley who shot the lights out.
Who is the better Rugby player?
Chris: Definitely me! Seriously though, Riley makes me look like a novice. I did not have an inch of his talent.
Riley: But he is the Boss at home!
