LA ROCHELLE — The Lions have confirmed the devastating death of lock Hyron Andrews, 31, who passed away while on tour with the squad in France ahead of their Investec Champions Cup opener against La Rochelle. Reports on Friday confirmed a player was found dead at the team’s hotel in La Rochelle, and the Lions have since confirmed his identity. In honour of their teammate, the 10bet Lions will fulfil their Round 1 fixture against Stade Rochelais tomorrow evening at 18:30 South African time rather than postpone.
“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,” the club said in a statement. The statement added the news had “sent shockwaves through the international rugby community” and described Andrews as a valued member of the Lions family. Lions Rugby Company 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.”
Andrews, 31, represented the Sharks, Sale Sharks and Lions during his career after playing for both South African Schools and the South Africa U20s. Born in Paarl and educated at Hoërskool Garsfontein in Pretoria, he also represented the Junior Springboks in 2015. SA Rugby said Andrews died after falling at the team’s hotel in La Rochelle, where the Lions are scheduled to play in the European Champions Cup on Saturday, following an accident while on duty with his team in France.
EPCR confirmed the fixture will go ahead as the squad, as a group, have chosen to play as planned in honour of their teammate. EPCR Chairman Dominic McKay said: “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.” EPCR added that in memory of Hyron, a moment’s silence will be held ahead of every Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup match this weekend.
SA Rugby president Mr Mark Alexander 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.” The Lions said their deepest condolences go to Hyron’s wife Maiglin, their young sons and the entire Andrews family, asking that their privacy be respected, and that further details regarding an appropriate tribute will be communicated in due course.