Lions lock Hyron Andrews, 31, dies in cardiac arrest at French team hotel

Hyron Andrews, a 31-year-old lock forward for the Lions, died on Friday after suffering cardiac arrest at the team’s hotel on Île de Ré, France, hours before the South African side were due to play La Rochelle in their Investec Champions Cup opener. Emergency services were called to the Atalante Relais Thalasso Hotel in Sainte-Marie-de-Ré shortly after 10:20 am local time, where the 6‘8” second-row was found unresponsive in a shower cubicle and could not be revived.

The Lions Rugby Company confirmed Andrews’ identity in an official statement on Friday, describing the news as having “sent shockwaves through the international rugby community.” Andrews, who joined the Lions this season after spells with the Sharks and Sale Sharks in the English Premiership, was 31 years old.

“The Lions Rugby Company is deeply saddened by the passing of player Hyron Andrews while on tour with the 10bet Lions,” the club said. “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.”

CEO Rudolf Straeuli paid tribute to Andrews, saying: “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.” Straeuli extended condolences to Andrews’ wife, Maiglin, and their two young sons, Hendrix and Emerson, asking that the family’s privacy be respected.

The club confirmed that, in Andrews’ honour, the Lions will fulfil their Champions Cup fixture against La Rochelle on Saturday evening.

The tragedy falls on the tenth anniversary of the death of Munster head coach Anthony Foley, who died from cardiac-related issues in a Paris hotel in October 2016 while his side were preparing for a Champions Cup match against Racing 92. Foley was 42 years old at the time of his passing.