The Lions have confirmed that second-row Hyron Andrews has died ahead of the South African club's first Champions Cup match, but have vowed to play on Saturday in his honour.
Earlier on Friday, it was confirmed that an unnamed member of the Lions' playing squad had died suddenly on Friday morning, with reports in France saying they had been found unresponsive in a shower cubicle. Despite the efforts of paramedics to resuscitate him, the player was pronounced dead at the scene.
Initial reports did not name the player, but the Lions have now confirmed that former South Africa U20s lock Andrews has passed away. The 31-year-old came through the ranks at the Bulls, before joining the Sharks after finishing high school. He would spend a decade with the Durban-based side, playing 77 times for their senior side. After that, he joined Sale Sharks - making 45 appearances for the Gallagher Premiership side before leaving this summer.
Club statement pays tribute
"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," said a statement 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.
"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, added: "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 go ahead with minute's silence
The club confirmed that they would release further details over an "appropriate tribute" in due course, but added that they would fulfil their opening Champions Cup fixture against Stade Rochelais on Saturday.
An EPCR statement confirmed the game would go ahead, with a minute's silence taking place ahead of every match 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 added: "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."
Support unit set up at team hotel
According to reports in Ireland, Stade Rochelais head coach Ronan O'Gara had travelled to the Lions' team hotel in Sainte-Marie-de-Ré to offer condolences. 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.
