Lions Confirm Death of Star Lock in France Ahead of Champions Cup Clash
- The Lions are mourning a player who had only recently joined the Johannesburg-based franchise
- His death comes just before a major European fixture, leaving the travelling squad facing a difficult weekend
- The team has confirmed its plans for the match against La Rochelle following the tragic news
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The Lions have confirmed the death of lock Hyron Andrews in France, sending shockwaves through the franchise on the eve of their Investec Champions Cup clash against La Rochelle. The 31-year-old died on Friday, 16 October 2026, just a day before the Johannesburg-based side was due to face the French club.
French broadcaster ICI La Rochelle reported that Andrews was found unresponsive in the shower at the team’s hotel, Hôtel Atalante – Relais Thalasso, on the Île de Ré on Friday morning. Emergency services were called shortly after 10:20 am.
Andrews was reportedly in cardiac arrest when paramedics arrived. Attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Lions pay tribute to Hyron Andrews
Lions chief executive Rudolf Straeuli expressed the franchise's grief following the death of the lock, who had become part of the squad this season.
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“We are heartbroken by the passing of Hyron,” Straeuli said.
“He was not only a gifted rugby player, but also a cherished member of our Lions family having recently joined us this season.”
Straeuli also extended the organisation's condolences to Andrews' wife, Maiglin, their young sons, Hendrix and Emerson, and the wider Andrews family.
“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,” he said.
Management at the hotel also confirmed that psychological support had been arranged for staff and members of the South African touring party.
Andrews' rugby career and the La Rochelle fixture
Andrews joined the Lions from English club Sale Sharks ahead of the current season and featured in all three of their United Rugby Championship matches.
He previously represented the Durban-based Sharks between 2015 and 2024. He also made two appearances for the Junior Springboks in 2015.
Despite the loss, the Lions confirmed they would play their scheduled Champions Cup fixture against La Rochelle on Saturday, 17 October, saying the team would take to the field “in honour of Hyron”.
The match will therefore go ahead as the franchise and its players mourn a teammate who had only recently begun his journey with the Lions.
Former rugby player dies during charity challenge for teammate
Briefly News previously reported that former Welsh rugby player Dan Singer died on 1 October 2026 while taking part in a charity cycling challenge organised to support a former teammate battling a brain tumour.
The 48-year-old’s death prompted tributes from his former clubs, while fellow cyclists continued the fundraising effort in his memory. Read the full story about the tragedy and the cause that brought his former teammates together here.
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Source: Briefly News
