From Sky Sports · · 1m 30s
Lions confirm Hyron Andrews' sudden death
South African rugby player Hyron Andrews dies suddenly ahead of Champions Cup match.
In brief
South African rugby player Hyron Andrews dies suddenly ahead of Champions Cup match. Lions rugby team confirms 31-year-old Hyron Andrews died in France after falling at hotel, game proceeds in his honor. Originally reported by Sky Sports.
Hyron Andrews dies suddenly
South African rugby player Hyron Andrews died suddenly in France at age 31.
“Hyron Andrews has died aged 31”
Lions confirm death
Lions rugby team says Champions Cup match against La Rochelle will proceed in honor of Andrews.
“The Lions said Saturday's match against La Rochelle will go ahead "in honour of Hyron"”
Cause of death
Andrews died after falling at team hotel in France following accident.
“A statement from SA rugby said that Andrews "passed away tragically, following an accident" and that he had "died after falling" at the team hotel”
Andrews' background
Andrews played for Sale Sharks in England until earlier in 2026 before joining Lions.
“The 31-year-old South African second-row forward had spent the previous two years of his career playing for Sale Sharks in England before returning home this summer to join the Lions”
Lions' statement
Lions express deep sadness over Andrews' death and offer condolences to family.
“The Lions Rugby Company is deeply saddened by the passing of player Hyron Andrews while on tour with the 10bet Lions ahead of their Investec Champions Cup and Vodacom United Rugby Championship fixtures”
Sale Sharks' reaction
Sale Sharks statement says they are devastated by Andrews' death and send condolences.
“Everyone at Sale Sharks is devastated to learn of the death of our former player Hyron Andrews”
South African Rugby Union
South African Rugby Union president Mark Alexander shares condolences and expresses shock.
“This is terrible and distressing news; our hearts go out to Hyron's family and the whole Lions rugby community”
Location of incident
Andrews was found unconscious in shower cubicle at hotel on Ile de Re island, France.
“According to french media reports, the player was found unconscious in a shower cubicle at a hotel on the ile de re - an island off france's western coast connected to the mainland by a bridge near la rochelle”
Emergency response
Emergency services called after 10am; Andrews in cardiac arrest with unsuccessful resuscitation.
“Emergency services were called shortly after 10am and attended to the player, who was in cardiorespiratory arrest. Attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful”
Lions CEO statement
Lions CEO Rudolf Straeuli expresses heartbreak over Andrews' death and offers condolences.
“We are heartbroken by the passing of Hyron. He was not only a gifted rugby player, but also a cherished member of our Lions family having recently joined us this season”
Andrews' career
Andrews joined Sale Sharks from South Africa in 2024, made 45 appearances before death.
“Andrews first joined Sale from South African side Sharks in 2024 on a short-term deal but earned a contract extension. He made 45 appearances in total for Sale”
Andrews' international status
Andrews represented South Africa at youth level but never played for senior national team.
“Andrews represented South Africa at youth level but never featured for his senior international side”
Here's the gist
Lions rugby team confirms 31-year-old Hyron Andrews died in France after falling at hotel, game proceeds in his honor.
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