Lions Release Official Statement on Hyron Andrews’ Cause of Death in France
- The Lions have issued an official update following the death of Hyron Andrews in France, addressing a question that has weighed heavily on the South African rugby community
- The findings come as the former Sharks lock’s family faces the difficult process of arranging his return home, with the timeline still uncertain
- The franchise has also shared details from French authorities as the rugby community continues to remember the 31-year-old player
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The death of Lions lock Hyron Andrews in France last week left South African rugby fans searching for answers about what happened to the 31-year-old. The circumstances surrounding his death drew widespread attention as the team continued its European tour.
On Wednesday, 21 October 2026, the Lions released an official statement on behalf of the Andrews family, confirming the findings of an autopsy conducted by French authorities. The results established the cause of death and provided an update on the process of bringing his body back to South Africa.
What the autopsy found about Hyron Andrews’ death
In an official statement released on 21 October, Lions Rugby Company confirmed that Andrews died from an aortic dissection, which most likely occurred in association with an aortic aneurysm.
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The French authorities described the cause of death as “a tear in the aorta (due to natural causes), which led to a significant accumulation of blood within the sac surrounding the heart.”
An aortic dissection occurs when the inner layer of the aorta, the body's main artery, tears. An aortic aneurysm is an abnormal bulge in an artery wall. Although the conditions are different, an aneurysm can increase the risk of a dissection.
The findings provide an official explanation for Andrews’ death after he was found unresponsive at the team’s hotel on the Île de Ré in France.
Hyron Andrews’ family awaits his return to South Africa
The Lions confirmed that Andrews’ body remains in the care of French authorities while arrangements are made for his repatriation.
“The Andrews family asks for respect, privacy and patience during this difficult time as the repatriation process begins,” the club said.
The franchise added that a timeline for his return to South Africa had not yet been determined. Further information will be communicated under the family’s guidance.
Andrews died on Friday, 16 October 2026, while on tour with the Lions. His death came a day before the team’s Investec Champions Cup match against La Rochelle.
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Lions coach pays tribute to former Sharks lock
Andrews joined the Lions from English club Sale Sharks ahead of the 2026/27 season. He featured in all three of the team’s United Rugby Championship matches before his death.
He previously represented the Sharks from 2015 to 2024 and made two appearances for the Junior Springboks in 2015.
Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen also spoke about the support the team received following Andrews’ death.
“The responses from all over the world to the team’s decision to play speak to the man Hyron was,” Van Rooyen said.
“He was a humble, gentle guy who people gravitated towards. He could pull people closer together.”
Van Rooyen also praised the rugby community for the support shown to the team during the difficult period.
The autopsy findings have established the official cause of Andrews’ death. However, his family is still awaiting confirmation of when his body will be returned to South Africa.
Lions coach admits there is no manual for handling team’s grief
Briefly News previously reported on the developments surrounding the Lions’ European campaign. Assistant coach Julian Redelinghuys spoke candidly about the emotional toll on the squad, explaining why the coaching staff cannot predict how players will respond as they prepare for their next challenge.
Redelinghuys also praised the support the team received and explained how the Lions are helping players cope.
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Source: Briefly News
