\t\t\tAfter impressing in both the U19 Cricket World Cup and leading SA to rugby glory, Norton has finally picked his path.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
South Africa (22 July 2025) \u2013 In a country rich with sporting talent, it\u2019s not every day you come across a young athlete like Riley Norton. At just 20 years old, Riley has already achieved what most can only dream of, excelling at national level in not one, but two of South Africa\u2019s biggest sports: rugby and cricket. And now, after much success in both, it\u2019s safe to say he has chosen his path.<\/p>\n
Over the weekend, Riley captained the South African Under-20 rugby team to a massive win at the 2025 World Rugby U20 Championship<\/a>. The Junior Boks lifted the trophy, and Riley was right at the centre of it all. Proud, emotional, and full of praise for his teammates and coaches. A monumental achievement that placed him firmly in the national spotlight.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n But what makes this story even more remarkable is that rugby is not the only sport where Riley has made headlines. Just last year, he was part of the SA Under-19 cricket squad that reached the semi-finals of the 2024 U19 World Cup as an all-rounder. But following that tournament, he made the big decision to dedicate himself fully to rugby. A move that is already paying off in spades.<\/p>\n Currently a first-year BCom Investment Management student at Stellenbosch University, Riley is balancing a demanding academic programme with his rising rugby career. At only 18 he earned South African schools\u2019 colours in both rugby and cricket, a rare honour that speaks volumes about his talent. His sporting journey is also a family affair. His father, Chris Norton, is a former Maties Rugby player and remains actively involved in the Maties Rugby Supporters\u2019 Club.<\/p>\n Although Riley had to miss the 2025 Varsity Cup campaign due to injury, he has made a powerful comeback by leading the Junior Springboks. His connection with fellow Maties teammates and his strong leadership have already made him a respected figure in the rugby community.<\/p>\n With rugby now his main focus, South Africans can look forward to seeing more of Riley in green and gold. Cricket may have lost a star, but rugby has gained a future great. Judging by the early signs, South African rugby fans are in for a treat.<\/p>\n Sources: Supersport\u00a0<\/a> Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We\u2019re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we\u2019ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.<\/p>\n \t\t
\nDon\u2019t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on\u00a0Apple<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0Google<\/a>.\u00a0
\nDo you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on\u00a0Facebook<\/a>\u00a0&\u00a0Twitter<\/a>\u00a0to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by\u00a0clicking here\u00a0<\/a>or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque \u2013 South Africa\u2019s very own\u00a0Good Things Guy<\/a>. He\u2019s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there\u2019s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you\u2019ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:<\/p>\n