Rugby player dies in hotel day before European Champions Cup tie – game to still go ahead

South Africa’s Lions Rugby have confirmed that Hyron Andrews has died aged 31. Andrews was found unresponsive in a shower in the team’s hotel on Friday, a day before their European Champions Cup debut against two-time winners La Rochelle. Emergency services were called to the scene in Sainte-Marie-de-Re but they were unable to revive the former Sale Sharks star. French media have stated that psychological support had been offered to the Lions’ squad and staff, as well as hotel employees. Despite that, the match at Stade Marcel Deflandre on Saturday between the Lions and La Rochelle will still be going ahead, with a moment’s silence held before every match this weekend. Lions confirm tragic news A statement released on Friday 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.” Rudolf Straeuli, Chief Executive Officer for the Lions 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. View Tweet: https://t.co/V8WppYBnPk “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.” Meanwhile, Andrews’ old side Sale , were he had spent the last two years of his career before joining the Lions, wrote: “Everyone at Sale Sharks is devastated to learn of the death of our former player Hyron Andrews. “Hyron was a much-loved member of the squad during his time with us and everyone at the club is united in sending their love, thoughts and heartfelt condolences to his wife Maighlin, their beautiful boys and the rest of his family and friends and everyone at Lions Rugby.” And president of the South African Rugby Union, Mark Alexander, said on the tragic death of Andrews : “This is terrible and distressing news; our hearts go out to Hyron’s family and the whole Lions rugby community. “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.” The Lions will make their debut in the European Champions Cup against La Rochelle in honour of Andrews. The 31-year-old played 45 times for Sale in England before leaving the club to head home to South Africa this summer. He had previously played for the Sharks in his home nation, also featuring twice for South Africa’s U20s on the international stage. Andrews’ death tragically comes exactly 10 years since the death of former Munster coach Anthony Foley. Foley, who was 42 at the time, died suddenly in his sleep on the eve of a clash against Racing 92 in 2016 after a heart condition led to a build up of fluid in his lungs.