The Lions have confirmed the tragic death of second-row Hyron Andrews ahead of the South African club's opening Champions Cup fixture. The 31-year-old former South Africa under-20s lock passed away suddenly on Friday morning, with the team scheduled to play La Rochelle on Saturday.
Player found unresponsive in shower
Reports from France indicated that Andrews had been discovered unresponsive in a shower cubicle. The player was pronounced dead at the scene, despite the best efforts of paramedics. Initial reports withheld the player's identity, but the Lions have since confirmed the tragic news.
Andrews came through the academy system at the Bulls, before moving to the Sharks upon completing his schooling. He spent a decade with the Durban-based outfit, representing their senior side on 77 occasions. He subsequently joined Sale Sharks, making 45 appearances for the Gallagher Premiership club before departing this summer.
Club statement and tributes
"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," read a statement released by the Lions. "This devastating news has sent shockwaves through the international rugby community. The former Sharks and Sale Sharks lock forward was a valued member of the Lions family, and his loss will be felt profoundly by his teammates, coaches, supporters and all who had the privilege of knowing him."
The statement added: "Our deepest and most heartfelt condolences go to Hyron's wife, Maiglin, their young sons, and the entire Andrews family. We hold them in our thoughts during this time of unimaginable grief and ask that their privacy be respected as they mourn."
The club's chief executive officer, Rudolf Straeuli, said: "We are heartbroken by the passing of Hyron. He was not only a gifted rugby player, but also a cherished member of our Lions family having recently joined us this season. On behalf of our Chairman, Mr Altmann Allers, the board and everyone at the Lions, I extend our deepest sympathies to Maiglin, their young sons Hendrix and Emerson and the entire Andrews family. We stand with them in their sorrow and will remember Hyron with great affection and respect."
Match to proceed with minute's silence
The club confirmed further details regarding an "appropriate tribute" would be announced in due course, while stating they would honour their opening Champions Cup fixture against Stade Rochelais on Saturday. An EPCR statement confirmed the match would proceed as scheduled, with a minute's silence to be observed before every fixture this weekend.
"It is with deep sadness that EPCR has learned of the tragic passing of 10bet Lions player Hyron Andrews while on tour ahead of their Investec Champions Cup and URC fixtures," read the statement. "The 10bet Lions squad and management are currently in France ahead of their Round 1 Investec Champions Cup match against Stade Rochelais, and the squad, as a group, have chosen to play tomorrow as planned in honour of their teammate. In memory of Hyron, a moment's silence will be held ahead of every Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup match this weekend."
EPCR Chairman Dominic McKay stated: "The thoughts of everyone at EPCR and the wider international rugby community are with Hyron's wife Maiglin, his young sons, wider family, friends, teammates, the 10bet Lions and all those who knew and loved him at this incredibly difficult time." Irish media outlets have reported that Stade Rochelais head coach Ronan O'Gara visited the Lions' team hotel in Sainte-Marie-de-Ré to express his sympathies. The hotel's management informed ICI La Rochelle that a psychological support unit has been established within the premises, available to both staff members and the South African squad.
