Lions lock Hyron Andrews has died suddenly in France, where the team were preparing for a Champions Cup match. The club confirmed his death in a statement on Friday afternoon.
Andrews was 31 years old. French media had reported earlier on Friday that a Lions player had died, and the club later named him, Sky Sports reported.
“The Lions Rugby Company is deeply saddened by the passing of player Hyron Andrews while on tour with the 10bet Lions ahead of their Investec Champions Cup and Vodacom United Rugby Championship fixtures,” the club said.
The Lions said their match against La Rochelle on Saturday will go ahead “in honour of Hyron”. The club added that “an appropriate tribute” would be planned for a later date.
According to French media reports, Andrews was found unconscious in a shower at a hotel on the Ile de Re. The island lies off France’s western coast and is linked to the mainland by a bridge near La Rochelle.
The team had been staying at the hotel since Tuesday. Emergency services were called shortly after 10am. The reports said Andrews was in cardiorespiratory arrest and attempts to revive him failed.
Lions chief executive Rudolf Straeuli said the club was heartbroken. “He was not only a gifted rugby player, but also a cherished member of our Lions family having recently joined us this season,” he said.
Straeuli said he sent sympathy to Andrews’ wife, Maiglin, their two young sons and the wider family on behalf of chairman Altmann Allers and the board. “We stand with them in their sorrow and will remember Hyron with great affection and respect,” he said.
The club asked that the family’s privacy be respected as they mourn. It said his loss would be felt by teammates, coaches and supporters.
His former English club, Sale Sharks, also paid tribute on social media. “Everyone at Sale Sharks is devastated to learn of the death of our former player Hyron Andrews,” the club said.
Sale said Andrews was a much-loved member of the squad during his time there. The club sent its love and condolences to his family, his friends and everyone at Lions Rugby.
Andrews played for the Sharks before moving to Sale in 2024 on a short-term deal. He later earned a contract extension and made 45 appearances for the English side.
He spent two years at Sale before returning to South Africa to join the Lions. Andrews represented South Africa at youth level but never played for the senior national team.
Source: this article is based on reporting by Sky Sports. Image: Sky Sports. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Sports desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Tiyani Mathebula writes about sport for Tzaneen Voice. Tiyani covers Bafana Bafana, the Springboks, the Proteas and the PSL, along with athletics, tennis and local club sport. Match reports and previews focus on results, team news, fixtures and what each game means for South African teams and fans.