Sale Sharks paid an emotional tribute to former second-row Hyron Andrews, who died suddenly on Friday, before their Champions Cup fixture against Glasgow Warriors on Saturday. A minute's silence was held ahead of kick-off, and director of rugby Alex Sanderson spoke movingly about the 31-year-old both before and after the match.
Emotional on-air tribute
During Premier Sports' broadcast, presenter Claire Thomas embraced a visibly shaken Sanderson after he paid his respects. Andrews, who had five caps for England, died on Friday morning at the Johannesburg Lions' team hotel before their Champions Cup match against Stade Rochelais. He had been a consistent presence for Sale over the previous two years before returning to South Africa during the summer.
Speaking on air, Sanderson said: "It's still quite emotional, just talking about him and thinking about him. He originally came for six months on a trial, helping us out when we were injury-stricken. He ended up staying for over two years. It was as much about the bloke as it was the player. Lads just gravitated to him."
Players and fans moved
The minute's silence before kick-off proved equally moving, with players visibly distressed and several supporters in the stands wiping tears from their eyes. Sanderson added: "He had a really good energy around the training ground and on the field. Off it, he was quite dry and charismatic in his own right. We loved him and we continue to love his wife, Maiglin, Hendrix his oldest and Emerson his youngest."
Sale ultimately suffered a 47-27 defeat to Glasgow, who are among the tournament's leading contenders this season. Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live afterwards, Sanderson commended his players' efforts under the circumstances, saying: "I am really impressed with how the lads have come together, looked after each other and got tighter in the trauma of it. It is a good indication of the strength of the squad and the depth of the culture."
Legacy and support
Sanderson highlighted Andrews' impact beyond the pitch, noting: "Hyron represents a large portion of the squad, in that he came here underrated and got opportunities to show what he is capable of. He forwarded his career, made Manchester his second home, settled with his wife and had another child. His impact and what he gave off the field was far more from what he gave on it."
He added that the team would help Andrews' family through the difficult time: "His two boys are too young to really fathom what is going on but I know the lads close to Hyron have been speaking to his two boys already this morning. We will help their family get through it."
