SA Rugby has confirmed that Lions lock Hyron Andrews died after falling at the team’s hotel in France while on duty with the squad.
The 31-year-old was pronounced dead on Friday after medical personnel attended the scene. He died on the eve of the Lions’ Champions Cup opener against La Rochelle on Saturday.
Initial reports had suggested Andrews may have suffered a suspected heart attack. However, SA Rugby said he died “following an accident while on duty with his team in France” and confirmed that he “died after falling at the team’s hotel”.
The Lions squad has decided to play against La Rochelle on Saturday in honour of their team-mate, according to a statement.
A minute’s silence will take place before every Champions Cup and Challenge Cup match this weekend to remember Andrews.
Andrews was born in Paarl and attended Hoerskool Garsfontein in Pretoria. He represented the Junior Springboks in 2015 and also played for the KZN Sharks and Sale Sharks in England.
Mark Alexander, president of the South African Rugby Union, said: “This is terrible and distressing news; our hearts go out to Hyron’s family and the whole Lions rugby community.
“There are no words to adequately convey our shock and the depth of sympathy we feel for his wife Maighlin, and for his extended family, friends, teammates and loved ones during this time of immense sorrow.
“Hyron was a respected member of the rugby community whose contribution to the game and impact on those around him will be remembered with great fondness.
“His untimely passing is a devastating loss, and we share in the grief of all who knew and loved him.
“The thoughts and prayers of the entire South African rugby family are with Maighlin and all those mourning his loss. May they find strength, comfort and peace in the memories they shared with him and in the support of those around them.”
EPCR chairman Dominic McKay also offered his condolences.
“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 Lions and all those who knew and loved him at this incredibly difficult time,” he said.
