VIDEO: Nortje's take on Junior Bok star Norton and life in Japan
EXCLUSIVE: Lock Ruan Nortje spoke to Rugby365 in a one-on-one conversation heading into the Springboks’ Nations Championship Test against Italy at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.
Nortje recently moved to Japan to take up an opportunity with Kubota Spears after spending 10 seasons with the Bulls since youth level.
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Speaking to Rugby365 from the Springboks’ team hotel in Turin on Wednesday, Nortje touched on his experience so far in the land of the rising sun and what his goals and aspirations are playing in Japan Rugby League One with the Spears.
“I’ve been in Japan for two weeks and just met up with the team and experienced a few things in the country, but it’s been pretty awesome,” Nortje told Rugby365.
“I’m really excited to experience a new type of game and maybe get a bit outside of my comfort zone and experience some growth in different departments.
“The biggest thing for me is to learn and grow as much as possible.”
Continues below…
Always working on perfecting his craft 😎💯🔥
Link to the #EXCLUSIVE interview with @rugby365com: https://t.co/ScbvrPhxWW
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— Rugby365 (@rugby365com) November 4, 2026
The Boks selected six new faces in their squad for the European leg of the Nations Championship who are yet to earn selection; one of them is fellow lock and 2025 Junior World Championship-winning captain Riley Norton.
Nortje hailed the youngster’s maturity and shared what his impressions are of Norton in the short time they’ve spent together in the national camp.
“It’s crazy to think he’s only 20 years old. If I personally have to look at myself at that age, it’s crazy to think how mature these players are.
“Maybe that’s how the game became more professional at school level, or he’s just a very special player.
“But he’s got tremendous potential in him; he’s definitely a great leader. I’m very happy and excited for what the future holds for him.
“Maybe if we get the privilege to play together, it would definitely be awesome to work with him.”
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https://t.co/P5BIABjOw7— Rugby365 (@rugby365com) November 4, 2026
Touching base on this weekend’s challenge against the Azzurri, Nortje conceded it will be a tough assignment based on previous experiences against Italy, especially when playing them in their own backyard.
“The Italians are amazing people and very proud, especially when they’re playing in front of their home fans.
“They’re very passionate, and we know they’ll be up for it.
“The last time we played here, we had to fight up until the last 10 minutes of the match before we got a bit of a breakaway.
“We have a massive respect for them, so for us it’s going to be important to implement our plans and what we planned during the week, and hopefully that can help us to put them under pressure and get points on the scoreboard.”
Nortje added how the team deals with the local hostile crowd when the chips are down.
“It gets more hostile, especially if you’re under the pump. In those moments, you just have to go back to the experience in the team.
“You look at the players around you and feed off their energy, try to stay as cool and calm as possible and implement what you planned during the week in your preparations; you always fall back to that.
“The better you’re prepared, the easier that situation becomes in tough games,” he concluded.
Watch the full one-on-one interview below…
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