THE LIONS RUGBY club has confirmed the death of player Hyron Andrews while on tour ahead of their Champions Cup game against La Rochelle.
The former Sharks and Sale Sharks lock from South Africa, aged 31, was described by the club as “a valued member of the Lions family”.
The Lions said they will fulfil Saturday’s fixture against La Rochelle as scheduled “in honour of Hyron”.
LIONS SADDENED BY THE PASSING OF STAR LOCK
With broken hearts, we mourn Hyron Andrews, a cherished member of our Lions family. Our thoughts are with Maiglin, Hendrix, Emerson and the entire Andrews family.
Rest in peace, Hyron. ❤️
Full statement: https://t.co/V8WppYBnPk https://t.co/lrVV5xLBqk
Andrews was found dead at a hotel in France, local authorities told AFP. A source close to the investigation said he was found in cardiac arrest inside a shower cubicle that was locked from the inside.
The public prosecutor in La Rochelle confirmed that an investigation had been opened to determine the cause of death and said that an accidental death was currently the leading line of inquiry.
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An autopsy is due to be carried out, a source close to the investigation said.
Heartbroken
The club said in a statement: “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.”
Rudolf Straeuli, chief executive of the Lions 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.
“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.”
Springboks
Andrews, who was born in Paarl and attended Hoërskool Garsfontein in Pretoria, represented the Junior Springboks in 2015.
“This is terrible and distressing news; our hearts go out to Hyron’s family and the whole Lions rugby community,” said Mark Alexander, president of the South African Rugby Union.
“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.”
The tragedy comes exactly 10 years to the day since the sudden death of former Munster coach Anthony Foley, who died in his sleep aged 42 due to a heart rhythm disorder just hours before his team were due to play against Racing 92 in Paris in the same competition.
South African rugby player Hyron Andrews found dead in France ahead of Champions Cup match
LAST UPDATE | 1 hr ago
THE LIONS RUGBY club has confirmed the death of player Hyron Andrews while on tour ahead of their Champions Cup game against La Rochelle.
The former Sharks and Sale Sharks lock from South Africa, aged 31, was described by the club as “a valued member of the Lions family”.
The Lions said they will fulfil Saturday’s fixture against La Rochelle as scheduled “in honour of Hyron”.
Andrews was found dead at a hotel in France, local authorities told AFP. A source close to the investigation said he was found in cardiac arrest inside a shower cubicle that was locked from the inside.
The public prosecutor in La Rochelle confirmed that an investigation had been opened to determine the cause of death and said that an accidental death was currently the leading line of inquiry.
An autopsy is due to be carried out, a source close to the investigation said.
Heartbroken
The club said in a statement: “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.”
Rudolf Straeuli, chief executive of the Lions 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.
“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.”
Springboks
Andrews, who was born in Paarl and attended Hoërskool Garsfontein in Pretoria, represented the Junior Springboks in 2015.
“This is terrible and distressing news; our hearts go out to Hyron’s family and the whole Lions rugby community,” said Mark Alexander, president of the South African Rugby Union.
“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.”
The tragedy comes exactly 10 years to the day since the sudden death of former Munster coach Anthony Foley, who died in his sleep aged 42 due to a heart rhythm disorder just hours before his team were due to play against Racing 92 in Paris in the same competition.
– © AFP 2026
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