# Rugby pays tribute to Hyron Andrews

> South African lock Hyron Andrews died aged 31 at the Lions' team hotel in France. Clubs across European rugby honoured him this weekend.
- Title: Rugby pays tribute to Hyron Andrews · BBC Sport | Shortify
- Summary: South African lock Hyron Andrews died aged 31 at the Lions' team hotel in France. Clubs across European rugby honoured him this weekend. Hyron Andrews, a…
- Keywords: hyron andrews, lions rugby, sale sharks, rugby union, champions cup, death, sports, Rugby, pays, tribute, Hyron, Andrews
- Source: BBC Sport — https://bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/articles/cq5ynl4nvv5vo
- Published: 2026-10-17T19:08:14.957+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: hyron andrews, lions rugby, sale sharks, rugby union, champions cup, death, sports
## South African lock dies at Lions hotel
Hyron Andrews, a 31-year-old South African lock, died at the Lions' team hotel in France on Friday, a day before their Champions Cup pool game against La Rochelle.
## Lions choose to play in Andrews' honour
The Lions decided to fulfil their fixture against La Rochelle to celebrate Andrews and show respect to his wife and children. Head coach Ivan van Rooyen said it was not about winning or losing.

> It's not about winning or losing today. It's not about rugby.
## Tributes during the match in France
La Rochelle supporters applauded as Lions players entered the field. Both sides wore black armbands. Andrews' number five jersey was laid on the turf. Three South African La Rochelle players presented a commemorative jersey.
## Sale Sharks remember former player
Andrews spent just over two years with Sale before departing at the end of last season to return to South Africa.

> He came here under-rated and got opportunities to show what he is capable of.
## Sale squad supports Andrews' family
Sanderson told BBC Radio 5 Live the squad had come together during the trauma.He said Andrews' impact off the field was greater than on it, and the club would help his family get through it.

> His impact and what he gave off the field was far more from what he gave on it.
## Key takeaway

Hyron Andrews, a South African rugby lock aged 31, died at the Lions' team hotel in France on Friday. Clubs across European rugby paid tribute to him at matches on Saturday.