South African rugby player Hyron Andrews has died at the age of 31 after a fall at his team’s hotel in Johannesburg Lions’ Champions Cup trip to France, prompting tributes from rugby officials and teammates.
Andrews, a former Sale Sharks second-row forward, died at the Lions’ team hotel ahead of their European Champions Cup fixture against La Rochelle on Saturday.
South African Rugby Union, SA Rugby, described his death as an accident, stating that the player had died following a fall.
The public prosecutor in La Rochelle has opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. Local media reports suggested that Andrews suffered a heart attack while in the shower, although the circumstances have not been officially established.
Lions chief executive Rudolf Straeuli said the club was devastated by the loss of the player, who had joined the team earlier in the season.
“We are heartbroken by the passing of Hyron,” Straeuli said.
“He was not only a gifted rugby player, but also a cherished member of our Lions family having recently joined us this season.”
Straeuli extended the club’s condolences to Andrews’ wife, Maighlin, their young sons, Hendrix and Emerson, and other members of the family.
He added that the club would remember Andrews with affection and respect.
The Lions are scheduled to honour Andrews by going ahead with their match against La Rochelle, which kicks off at 17:30 BST on Saturday.
European Professional Club Rugby, EPCR, the competition organiser, also expressed sympathy to the player’s family and the wider Lions community.
A moment of silence will be observed at all matches in the opening round of the competition in his memory.
SA Rugby president Mark Alexander described the news as distressing and expressed condolences to Andrews’ wife, children, relatives, friends and teammates.
He said the rugby community was deeply shocked by the loss and stood with the family during their period of grief.
Andrews’ death has cast a shadow over the Lions’ European campaign, with tributes reflecting the impact of his passing on the club and the wider South African rugby community.
