On Saturday, the BabyBoks became the first South African team to successfully defend a World Rugby U20 Championship crown when they beat France 16-5 in a bruising final in Tbilisi. The victory secured South Africa’s third Junior World Cup title and cemented this group’s place among the country’s greatest age-group sides.

The celebrations, however, took an unexpected turn during the team’s journey home.

The 2026 Junior Springbok celebrating their historic title defence. Photo: World Rugby

The Cape Town-bound contingent, including several players and members of the coaching staff, were forced to return to OR Tambo International Airport after a fellow passenger collapsed in the aisle during the flight.

With the aircraft flying somewhere between Bloemfontein and Kimberley, Junior Springboks team doctor Clement Plaatjies immediately sprang into action. He rushed to the woman’s aid and successfully administered life-saving support to her, allowing the flight to return safely to Johannesburg so she could receive urgent medical attention. The Cape Town contingent eventually arrived in the Mother City at 19:45.

Meanwhile, Junior Springboks captain Siphosethu Mnebelele believes the team’s unity was the foundation of their historic title defence.

Dr Clement Plaatjies. Photo: X

“We had a different group last year, obviously. This year we had a group that was a bit more connected,” said Mnebelele.

“Not that last year’s group wasn’t connected, but this year’s group felt a bit more connected because most of us had played together at under-18 level.

“Most of the guys had played together at Craven Week, so there was a stronger connection, and I think that played a big part in getting us to where we are.”

Although several standout youngsters missed the tournament after earning promotion to the senior Springbok squad, Mnebelele said the remaining players never doubted themselves or each other.

Siphosethu Mnebelele and Lucas Andjisseramatchi. Photo: World Rugby

“Believing in yourself meant you knew what to do on the field, you could focus on your job and do it as best as you could,” he added.

“I think that’s what probably set us apart from the other teams. Everyone in their position knew what their jobs were and they went hard at them.

“Then there was the connection and the love we had to fight for each other, which is also something I think set us apart from the other teams.”

South Africa have now joined an exclusive club. Only New Zealand, England and France had previously managed to win back-to-back World Rugby U20 Championship titles, with the Junior Springboks now becoming the fourth nation to achieve the feat.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg