The Junior Springboks' team doctor, Clement Plaatjies, helped save a fellow passenger's life after a medical emergency forced the team's flight back to Johannesburg on Monday, July 20, 2026.
The flight was traveling from OR Tambo International Airport to Cape Town when the emergency occurred. Plaatjies, a qualified medical professional, provided immediate assistance to the passenger, stabilizing the situation until the plane could land safely.
The Junior Boks were en route to Cape Town for a training camp ahead of the World Rugby U20 Championship. The team expressed gratitude for Plaatjies' quick actions, which were praised by both the airline and passengers.
No further details about the passenger's condition or the nature of the medical emergency have been released. The flight resumed its journey after the incident.
