Lions player found dead in France named as Hyron Andrews

Lions player Hyron Andrews has tragically died in France on the eve of his side’s Investec Champions Cup opener against La Rochelle.

The club have confirmed the devastating news that Andrews was the player at the centre of multiple reports coming out of France this Friday of a player passing away at the team hotel.

It was reported that the 6’8 second-row was found unresponsive at the Lions team hotel on Île de Ré, where the South African side had been staying ahead of Saturday’s fixture.

On Friday morning, French outlet Ici La Rochelle reported that the former Sale Sharks and Hollywood Bet Sharks forward was discovered in a shower cubicle and could not be revived by emergency services.

According to the those reports, emergency personnel were called to the Atalante Relais Thalasso Hotel in Sainte-Marie-de-Ré shortly after 10:20 am local time. The 31-year-old was said to have been in cardiac arrest when responders arrived and was later pronounced dead.

A Lions statement reads: “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.

“This devastating news has sent shockwaves through the international rugby community. The former Sharks and Sale Sharks lock forward was a valued member of the Lions family, and his loss will be felt profoundly by his teammates, coaches, supporters and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

“Our deepest and most heartfelt condolences go to Hyron’s wife, Maiglin, their young sons, and the entire Andrews family. We hold them in our thoughts during this time of unimaginable grief and ask that their privacy be respected as they mourn.”

CEO Rudolf Straeuli said: “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. On behalf of our Chairman, Mr Altmann Allers, the board and everyone at the Lions, I extend our deepest sympathies to Maiglin, their young sons Hendrix and Emerson and the entire Andrews family. We stand with them in their sorrow and will remember Hyron with great affection and respect.”

The statement continues: “The Lions Rugby Company will communicate further details regarding an appropriate tribute in due course. In honour of Hyron, the 10bet Lions will fulfill their opening match of the Investec Champions Cup against La Rochelle tomorrow evening (18:30) South African time.”

The death comes on the tenth anniversary of the sudden passing of then Munster head coach, Anthony Foley, who died from cardiac-related issues in a French hotel while on tour with the Irish province.

The former Ireland and Munster No.8 died unexpectedly at the age of 42 in October 2016 while with the team in Paris ahead of a Champions Cup match against Racing 92.

La Rochelle suffered their own cardiac scare last season, when former France tighthead Uini Atonio suffered a life-threatening heart attack that ended his rugby career.

The Lions had been looking to bounce back from last weekend’s heavy United Rugby Championship defeat to the Bulls and arrived in France for a three-match European tour led by captain Francke Horn, but the tragedy could well throw those plans into the air.

EPCR have confirmed that, in memory of Andrews, a moment’s silence will be held ahead of every Champions Cup and Challenge Cup match this weekend.

EPCR Chairman Dominic McKay said: “The thoughts of everyone at EPCR and the wider international rugby community are with Hyron’s wife Maiglin, his young sons, wider family, friends, teammates, the 10bet Lions and all those who knew and loved him at this incredibly difficult time.”

Alex Sanderson, Andrews’ boss at former club Sale Sharks, said: “Hyron was just a brilliant guy and a brilliant teammate. He was so skilled on the field but off it, he was always someone you would want to have a beer with.

“He was funny and charismatic in his own unique, dry way and the lads, to a man, loved playing with him and being around him.

“It was a big move for Hyron and his Maighlin to come to England but he truly made a second home in Manchester and it was incredible to see how he and his family embraced the club and area.

“Most importantly, he was a loving husband to Maighlin and a doting father to his two gorgeous boys. It was an absolute privilege to get to know him and it’s just absolutely devastating for everyone.”

A Gallagher PREM statement paid tribute to the popular lock.

“Everyone at PREM Rugby and our clubs is deeply saddened by the passing of Hyron Andrews and we extend our heartfelt sympathies to his family and friends.

“Our thoughts are also with Hyron’s teammates past and present, everyone at the Lions and Sale Sharks, and the wider South African rugby community at this very difficult time.”

The URC also extended their ‘heartfelt sympathies’ to the Andrews’ family and friends.

“The United Rugby Championship extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Hyron Andrews, and to everyone at the Lions, following his passing.

“Our thoughts are with Hyron’s loved ones, his current and former teammates and everyone at the Lions during this heartbreaking time. We stand alongside the Lions family and the wider rugby community in mourning his passing.

“Our heartfelt sympathies are with all those who knew and loved Hyron.”

SA Rugby described Andrews’ death as a “terrible loss”.

“This is terrible and distressing news; our hearts go out to Hyron’s family and the whole Lions rugby community,” said Mr Mark Alexander, president of the South African Rugby Union.

“There are no words to adequately convey our shock and the depth of sympathy we feel for his wife Maighlin, and for his extended family, friends, teammates and loved ones during this time of immense sorrow.

“Hyron was a respected member of the rugby community whose contribution to the game and impact on those around him will be remembered with great fondness.

“His untimely passing is a devastating loss, and we share in the grief of all who knew and loved him.

“The thoughts and prayers of the entire South African rugby family are with Maighlin and all those mourning his loss. May they find strength, comfort and peace in the memories they shared with him and in the support of those around them.”