Lions Lock Hyron Andrews, 31, Dies at Team Hotel in France on Eve of Champions Cup Match

LA ROCHELLE, France. Hyron Andrews, a 31 year old lock for the Johannesburg Lions, died on Friday, October 16, at the team hotel on the Ile de Re, one day before the Lions play La Rochelle in the Investec Champions Cup.

The Lions confirmed his death in a statement on Friday afternoon. The club had first asked for privacy while the player's family was informed, then named Andrews and said the team will play Saturday's match in his honour.

What happened at the hotel

The public prosecutor in La Rochelle told The Times that Andrews was found at 10:15 a.m. inside a shower cubicle that was locked from the inside. French media reports said emergency services were called shortly after 10:20 a.m. and found him in cardiac arrest. Paramedics tried to revive him, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Reports said he had used a steam room about an hour earlier, and people close to him said no health problems had been noted in the days before. The team had been staying at the Hotel Atalante on the Ile de Re since Tuesday. Hotel management set up psychological support for players, staff and hotel workers.

SA Rugby said in its statement that Andrews died in an accident after falling at the hotel. The Lions gave no details on the circumstances in their own statement.

Investigation opened

The prosecutor said an investigation has been opened to establish the cause of death, and that the case has been assigned to the gendarmerie at Saint-Martin-de-Re. An autopsy will be carried out. As things stand, the prosecutor said, there are no signs of involvement by a third party.

That means the cause of death has not been confirmed. Reports of a suspected heart attack have circulated in French and South African media, but no official finding has been published.

A career in Durban, Sale and Johannesburg

Andrews played for the Sharks in Durban from 2015 to 2024, then spent two seasons with Sale Sharks in England. He joined the Lions ahead of this season and played in all three of their United Rugby Championship matches so far.

He played twice for South Africa's under 20 side in 2015. He was not capped by the senior Springboks.

Lions chief executive Rudolf Straeuli said the club was heartbroken. The Lions sent their condolences to Andrews' wife, Maiglin, their young sons, Hendrix and Emerson, and the wider family. Sale Sharks also paid tribute to their former player.

Saturday's match will go ahead

The Lions said they will fulfil the Champions Cup match against La Rochelle at Stade Marcel Deflandre on Saturday, October 17, in honour of Andrews, with kickoff at 18:30 South African time. Tournament organisers EPCR said a moment of silence will be held before every Champions Cup and Challenge Cup match this weekend.

Reports in Ireland said La Rochelle coach Ronan O'Gara visited the Lions at their hotel to offer his condolences. Andrews died ten years to the day after Munster coach Anthony Foley died at a team hotel in Paris before a European match.