Lions lock Hyron Andrews, who died at the team hotel in France on Friday, aged 31. Image credit: Dennis Goodwin/ProSports/Shutter
South African rugby is in mourning after Lions lock Hyron Andrews died at the team hotel in France. He passed away a day before the club’s first ever Investec Champions Cup match. Hyron Andrews was 31 years old.
The Lions squad was staying at a hotel in Sainte-Marie-de-Ré, near La Rochelle. According to reports, hotel staff found Andrews unresponsive on Friday morning. Emergency services arrived shortly after 10:20. Reports say he was in cardiac arrest at the time. Paramedics tried to revive him, but they could not save him.
Officials have not yet released an official cause of death.
Tributes pour in for Hyron Andrews
The Lions described Andrews as a valued member of the Lions family. In a statement, the club said teammates, coaches and supporters will deeply feel his loss. It also asked the public to respect his family’s privacy.
Lions chief executive Rudolf Straeuli said the club is heartbroken. He described Andrews as a gifted player and a cherished member of the team. Chairman Altmann Allers and the board also sent their sympathies. They said they will remember him with great affection and respect.
Andrews leaves behind his wife, Maiglin, and their young sons, Hendrix and Emerson.
Tributes have also come from across the rugby world. Alex Sanderson, his former coach at Sale Sharks, remembered him as a brilliant teammate. Sanderson also called him a loving husband and a devoted father. SA Rugby president Mark Alexander called his death a terrible loss. In addition, the United Rugby Championship, Premiership Rugby and EPCR all expressed their sympathy.
The towering lock stood 2.03 metres tall. He spent several years with the Sharks in Durban. Later, he moved to Sale Sharks in England. He then joined the Lions at the start of this season. So far, he played in all three of the team’s United Rugby Championship matches.
Despite the tragedy, the Lions will still face La Rochelle on Saturday. Kickoff at Stade Marcel Deflandre is at 18:30 South African time. The club says the team will play in honour of Andrews. EPCR will also hold a moment of silence before every European match this weekend. Meanwhile, the hotel says it has arranged psychological support for its staff and the squad.
The loss comes on a painful date for European rugby. Exactly ten years ago, Munster head coach Anthony Foley died suddenly in a Paris hotel. Like Andrews, he died on the eve of a European match. La Rochelle coach Ronan O’Gara reportedly visited the Lions hotel to offer his condolences.
Commentary across social media platforms shows an outpouring of grief and support. Fans of the Lions, the Sharks and Sale have shared memories of Andrews. Many have also sent prayers to his wife and sons.