Fresh off defending their World Rugby U20 Championship title in Tbilisi, Georgia, members of the Junior Springboks squad and technical management found themselves in the middle of a life-or-death emergency on their domestic return flight to Cape Town.
While en route over Bloemfontein, a female passenger collapsed in the aisle and lost her pulse. Prompted by SA Rugby General Manager for High Performance Dave Wessels, Junior Springboks team physician Dr. Clement Plaatjies rushed into action to perform emergency CPR, successfully reviving the passenger before the aircraft executed an emergency turn-around to OR Tambo International Airport.
“He Pumped and Pumped” — Head Coach Praises Lifesaving Intervention
Junior Springboks head coach Kevin Foote detailed the high-stress situation on board, praising Dr. Plaatjies for his swift, decisive action:
“A woman collapsed on the flight,” Foote told Netwerk24. “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.”
Following Dr. Plaatjies’ successful resuscitation, the flight landed back in Johannesburg, where emergency medical services were waiting on the tarmac to take over care. The Cape Town-bound contingent later boarded a replacement flight, arriving in the Mother City that evening after a three-hour delay.
Champions On and Off the Field
The dramatic incident capped off a monumental week for the SA U20 side. On Saturday, the Junior Springboks made history by defeating France 16–5 in the final in Georgia to retain their crown and secure South Africa’s third U20 World Championship title (2012, 2025, 2026).
“It means everything to us; it means everything to South Africa,” Foote added regarding the campaign. “South Africa is a very special place and we are very lucky to represent our people. Right now, we’re just feeling incredibly grateful.”
