The newly crowned world champions faced one final challenge on their journey home as Dr Clement Plaatjies performed CPR on a passenger before the flight returned to Johannesburg.
South Africa (22 July 2026) – Just days after celebrating one of the greatest achievements in South African rugby history, the Junior Springboks found themselves part of another remarkable moment.
The newly crowned World Rugby U20 champions were on their way home after successfully defending their title in Georgia when their connecting flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town was forced to turn back because of a medical emergency on board.
A passenger reportedly collapsed during the flight and had no pulse, prompting Junior Springbok team doctor Dr Clement Plaatjies to spring into action.
According to head coach Kevin Foote, Plaatjies immediately began performing CPR before the passenger started breathing again.
Emergency medical teams met the aircraft on its return to Johannesburg, where the passenger was stabilised before being taken for further medical care. While the delay made for an eventful journey home, it capped an unforgettable few days for the Junior Boks.
Earlier that weekend, South Africa defeated France 16-5 in Tbilisi to successfully defend the World Rugby U20 Championship, becoming the first South African U20 side to win back-to-back world titles. The victory also extended their impressive unbeaten run on the Junior World Championship stage.
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