Hyron Andrews: South African rugby side Lions confirm sudden death of player ahead of Champions Cup match in France against La Rochelle

Lions player Hyron Andrews has died suddenly in France, where the team were preparing for a Champions Cup fixture.

A statement from SA rugby said that Andrews "passed away tragically, following an accident" and that he had "died after falling" at the team hotel.

Following French media reports that a Lions player had passed away, the Lions released a separate statement in the afternoon that named Andrews.

The 31-year-old South African second-row forward had spent the previous two years of his career playing for Sale Sharks in England before returning home this summer to join the Lions.

The Lions said Saturday's match against La Rochelle will go ahead "in honour of Hyron".

The club statement said: "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.

"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."

According to French media reports, the player was found unconscious in a shower cubicle at ‌a hotel on the Ile de Re - an island off France's western coast connected to the mainland by a bridge near La Rochelle - where the team had ‌been staying since Tuesday.

Emergency services were called shortly after 10am and attended to the player, who was in ⁠cardiorespiratory arrest. Attempts to resuscitate ​him were unsuccessful, the reports ​added.

Lions chief executive 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."

The Lions said that "an appropriate tribute" would be planned for a later date.

Sale 'devastated' by Andrews' death

In a statement posted on social media, Andrews' former club Sale said: "Everyone at Sale Sharks is devastated to learn of the death of our former player Hyron Andrews.

"Hyron was a much-loved member of the squad during his time with us and everyone at the club is united in sending their love, thoughts and heartfelt condolences to his wife Maighlin, their beautiful boys and the rest of his family and friends and everyone at Lions Rugby."

Andrews first joined Sale from South African side Sharks in 2024 on a short-term deal but earned a contract extension.

He made 45 appearances in total for Sale.

Andrews represented South Africa at youth level but never featured for his senior international side.

South African Rugby Union president 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.

"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."

(c) Sky Sports 2026: Hyron Andrews: South African rugby side Lions confirm sudden death of player ahead of Champions Cup match in France against La Rochelle