Deon Helberg, the Springbok Sevens player onboard an SAA Airlink aircraft involved in an accident at George Airport earlier today, is uninjured and has joined his team mates at their hotel in George, South Africa.
The airline confirmed that none of the passengers were injured.
After passing a medical check-up, the player was cleared by team management to join his colleagues in a team activity.
Sebastian Prim, Springbok Team Manager, said the player was in good spirits and glad to be reunited with his team mates.
"The team is grateful and extremely relieved that Deon had thankfully escaped the incident with no serious injuries," said Prim.
"The happening was obviously very traumatic at the time, but he recovered very quickly.
"The team wants to thank all the supporters for the enormous concern raised regarding his safety through the many enquiries we have received.
"SAA Airlink managed a traumatic situation very well indeed and we are glad the player could join his team mates so quickly after the unfortunate incident."
Helberg was a late replacement for the injured Marius Schoeman in Dubai and he travelled to George this morning from Cape Town.
Veteran Schoeman in for Powell
In another forced change to the squad, Schoeman has come back in after recovering from a calf injury to replace Neil Powell.
Powell injured his shoulder during the Dubai Plate Final on Saturday against Australia, a match the Boks lost 7-0.
"We were spot on with our composure and decision-making on day one, but we were found wanting in those two areas on Saturday when it mattered," side South Africa coach Paul Treu, who is undoubtedly missing the services of four outstanding backs from last year's campaign, Gio Aplon (Super 14), Renfred Dazel (returning from injury), Robert Ebersohn (Super 14) and Vuyo Zangqa, now a member of the team's management.
"The two losses were a massive eye-opener for the guys and they now realise that we will have to play so much better as the defending SA tournament and World Series champions.
"We were able to give international debuts to youngsters like Cecil Afrika, Deon Helberg and JW Jonker, and that was a big positive for me. The youngsters now had a taste of what it takes to compete at the highest level and that will serve them very well in George next week," said Treu.
Pumas make two changes
In other team news, Argentina have flown in Pedro Garzon and Rafael Parlatore, both of whom will make their IRB Sevens World Series debuts in George.
