An unnamed member of South African club Lions' playing squad has died suddenly in France on Friday morning, according to multiple reports. The death occurred on the eve of the team's Champions Cup match against La Rochelle, which is now expected to be postponed.
Player found unresponsive in hotel shower
Reports in France state that the player, who was in his thirties, died at the team's hotel in Sainte-Marie-de-Ré on Friday morning. He was found unresponsive in a shower cubicle, and despite efforts by paramedics to resuscitate him, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The initial reports did not name the player. The hotel's management told ICI La Rochelle that a psychological support unit has been set up within the hotel, both for employees and members of the South African side.
First-ever Champions Cup appearance
The Lions had been preparing for their first-ever Champions Cup appearance, taking on Stade Rochelais on Saturday. The tragic news comes 10 years to the day since former Ireland international Anthony Foley died. The Munster head coach passed away in his sleep a day before his side were due to face Racing 92 in their opening Champions Cup match in 2016.
That match was postponed. A decade on, Munster are planning to honour Foley with a tribute ahead of their match this weekend. Foley's former Munster and Ireland team-mate Ronan O'Gara was part of Racing's coaching team back in 2016.
O'Gara to offer condolences
The former British and Irish Lions fly-half is now Stade Rochelais' head coach. According to reports in Ireland, O'Gara is said to be heading to the Lions' team hotel to offer condolences and show support.
