Hyron Andrews found dead before Lions’ match against La Rochelle

Hyron Andrews, the South African second-row of the Lions de Johanesburgo, was found dead at a hotel before his team’s Champions Cup match against La Rochelle. Aged 31, he had been discovered unconscious in the shower after a fall. The match will go ahead as a tribute to the player.

Medical services, alerted after 10:20, tried to resuscitate him but were unsuccessful. In La Rochelle, the prosecutor has opened an investigation to establish the cause of death. An accident is the first hypothesis being considered.

The Lions de Johanesburgo announced that the team would play as scheduled: « all members of the team have decided to play the match as planned to pay tribute to their teammate ». Kick-off against La Rochelle is scheduled for Saturday at 18:30, in the opening round of the Champions Cup. The competition brings together European and South African clubs.

Andrews joined the Lions this summer after leaving Sale Sharks. In a statement, the club described him as a talented player and a valued member of the Lions family, and offered its condolences to Maiglin, her young children Hendrix and Emerson, and the entire Andrews family. Mark Alexander, president of the South African Rugby Union, also paid tribute to Hyron, saying his contribution to the sport and the impact he had on those around him would be remembered.

A minute of silence will be held before every Champions Cup and Challenge Cup match this weekend.