Hyron Andrews: Lions Players Weep During Minute of Silence for South African Rugby Star Who Died
- Hyron Andrews's Lions teammates broke down in tears during a tribute held the day after he died in France
- The 31-year-old was found unresponsive in a shower at the team's hotel on the Île de Ré on Friday, 16 October
- French authorities opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Andrews's death
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Lions players were reduced to tears during a minute of silence held in honour of Hyron Andrews at the Stade Marcel-Deflandre in France on Saturday, 17 October, just 24 hours after the lock's sudden death.
Andrews, 31, was found unresponsive in a shower at the Lions' hotel on the Île de Ré on Friday, 16 October, the evening before the club's United Rugby Championship clash against La Rochelle. Emergency services attended but were unable to revive him.
A tribute watched by the world
His number 5 jersey was placed on the pitch in front of the squad as the players gathered. Several were visibly overcome with grief, tears visible on their faces as the tribute unfolded. Black-and-white photographs of Andrews were displayed on screens throughout the stadium.
The Lions dedicated the match to their late teammate but were beaten 41-13 by La Rochelle.
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Investigation opened into Andrews's death
SA Rugby confirmed that Andrews died following an accident involving a fall at the hotel. French authorities subsequently opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his passing. A formal cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
Andrews is survived by his wife, Maighlin, and their two young children.
Former rugby player dies
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.
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Source: Briefly News
