Junior Bok doc saves life on board return flight
· The South African
The Junior Springboks returned to South Africa on Monday after securing the U20 World Championship title this past weekend, but dramatic scenes played out on one of the local return flights.
A certain group of Junior Springboks and management members, who were flying back to Cape Town, saw their flight forced to urgently be rerouted to Johannesburg after a fellow passenger suffered a medical emergency.
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According to reports, a woman collapsed aboard the aircraft over Bloemfontein, and required the intervention of Junior Springbok team doctor Clement Plaatjies.
Junior Springboks coach Kevin Foote has told Netwerk24 that Plaatjies rushed to assist after being alerted to the emergency by SA Rugby general manager for high performance Dave Wessels.
“A woman collapsed on the flight,” Foote was quoted as saying. “I saw Dave calling Clem and when he got there, he resuscitated her. He literally pumped and pumped and said he wasn’t picking up a pulse.”
Junior Springbok doctor to the rescue
Mercifully, Plaatjies is said to have revived the passenger before aircraft turned around and returned to OR Tambo, where emergency services were waiting to assist.
The Cape-Town bound Junior Boks were eventually able to board another flight to return to the Mother City.
Back home after special result
The Junior Springboks’ World Championship victory capped a remarkable campaign and secured South Africa a third U20 world crown following the success of 2012 and 2025.
The SA U20s defeated France 16-5 after leading 6-0 at the halfway mark of this enthralling championship decider to successfully defend the title they won last year in Italy.
South Africa overcame fierce French resistance in a pulsating final to lift their second title in a row, with Foote describing the triumph as an incredible proud moment for the team and the country.
“It means everything to us; it means everything to South Africa,” said Foote after the final.
“South Africa is a very special place and we are very lucky to represent our people. Right now, we’re just feeling incredibly grateful for the opportunity.”