Stellenbosch local Riley Norton will realise his dream of playing for the senior Springbok team when he runs out in the green and gold against the Barbarians in Gqeberha on Saturday 20 June.

The Paul Roos Gymnasium alumnus was named in the starting XV for South Africa’s first test of the international season. Coach Rassie Erasmus named the versatile player at lock for the match at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

The 20-year-old is no stranger to the global stage, having led the Junior Springboks to glory at the World Rugby Under-20 Championship in Italy last year.

He is one of two uncapped players to be named in the starting team, while three others have been named on the bench.

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Earlier this year, Junior Bok coach Kevin Foote again named Norton the captain of the Junior Bok team for the Under-20 Rugby Championship in Gqeberha in May and the team that will defend their title in Georgia later this month.

Eikestadnuus has previously reported on the talented star’s rise through the sporting ranks. He was also a gifted cricketing all-rounder, representing the South African team at the 2024 ICC Under-19 Men’s World Cup on home soil.

ALSO READ: Riley makes his mark on the pitch

After he matriculated, the Stellenbosch University student had to choose between the two sporting codes, eventually settling for the oval ball after being named in the Stormers squad in 2025-’26 season.

Saturday’s match the Barbarians kicks-off at 15:00 and will be preceded by a curtain-raiser between a South Africa A team and Zimbabwe at 12:00.

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