Lions Coach Ivan van Rooyen Explains Decision to Play After Hyron Andrews’ Death

• The Lions went ahead with their Investec Champions Cup match against La Rochelle in France shortly after confirming the death of teammate Hyron Andrews
• Coach Ivan van Rooyen addressed the media before kickoff, explaining the team's decision to play in honour of the 31-year-old
• Rugby fans on social media were divided, with many questioning whether the match should have been postponed

The Lions played their Investec Champions Cup fixture against La Rochelle in France on 17 October 2026, less than 24 hours after the death of teammate Hyron Andrews, drawing criticism from rugby fans who felt the match should have been postponed.

Andrews, 31, was found unresponsive in the shower of his hotel room. Paramedics were unable to revive him. Shortly after his death was confirmed, the Lions released a statement indicating they would fulfil the fixture. The French side won the match 41-13, with Lions players visibly emotional during a pre-match moment of silence.

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Ivan van Rooyen addresses the decision

Speaking to the media just before kickoff, Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen explained the reasoning behind the call.

"It's been a tough 24 hours and we've decided to celebrate Hyron, show respect to his wife and his children, and celebrate life. It gets taken away so quickly," he said.

Van Rooyen added that the response from the public had been overwhelming:

"We've had hundreds and thousands of messages from all over the world. It's not about winning or losing today. It's not about rugby."

He described Andrews as "an unbelievable guy, an unbelievable player, a world-class dad and a world-class husband," saying the team's presence at the ground was a tribute to what the player meant to everyone connected with the club.

Fans Divided Over Lions' Call

The decision drew mixed reactions on social media, with some supporters appreciating the gesture while others argued it was premature.

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@HannieEvan wrote:

"These guys are absolutely broken 💔. Yet the game isn't called off because money trumps humanity 💔"

@MaezaGiuseppe posted:

"The game should have been postponed, but hey, it's business"

Source: Briefly News