South Africa U19 all-rounder leads U20 rugby team to World Cup final

Riley Norton, a former U19 cricket player who played for South Africa at the youth One-Day World Cup last year, is leading the team as they enter their third-ever U20 World Cup Rugby final. The young Proteas player's achievement of representing his nation in two different sports at the World Cups is an uncommon one.

Shortly before the 2024 Under-19 Cricket World Cup in South Africa, Norton made his debut in the tri-nation U19 ODI tournament against Afghanistan and India. Rising talents like Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Kwena Maphaka were also included in the competition.

Fast-bowling all-rounder Norton claimed 11 wickets at the World Cup, which was second only to his teammate and Kwena Maphaka, who has since made his debut for his country.

Notably, Norton made an impression on the South Africa U19 team and contributed clinically to their 2024 ICC tournament semifinal result. His game-winning unbeaten performance of 41* helped the hosts defeat Sri Lanka to a respectable total of 232-8 in their last Super Sixes match, where South Africa was trailing at 133-8. In addition, he took a 4-28 with the ball, destroying the opponents for just 113 and decisively guaranteeing South Africa's place in the semifinals.

Norton's team, South Africa, has qualified for the summit match at the 2025 World Rugby U20 Championship, which is presently taking place in Italy. To win their group and go to the semi-finals, where they overcame Argentina (48-24), South Africa defeated Australia (73-17), the reigning champions England (32-22), and Scotland (73-14). On July 20, they will now play New Zealand in the championship match.

Although international cricket players have previously played rugby for their country, it is uncommon for them to represent both World Cups. Namibian Rudie van Vuuren had already accomplished that at a senior level in 2003. He had previously participated in the World Cup of rugby in 1999.

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at Sky365 and download the Sky365 App to start betting today!