Hyron Andrews dies tragically in France

The 10bet Lions have been struck by tragedy in France after Hyron Andrews (31) died of a suspected heart attack at the team’s hotel ahead of their debut Champions Cup match against La Rochelle on Saturday.

The Johannesburg-based franchise confirmed on Friday afternoon that it had received distressing news from France, where the squad is preparing for their first-ever clash in Europe’s elite club rugby competition.

In a statement, the Lions Rugby Company said "they are 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, Lions Rugby Company 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, 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 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 (6.30pm) South African time.

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.”

In memory of Hyron, a moment’s silence will be held ahead of every Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup match this weekend.

According to reports from French media, Andrews was found unresponsive in a shower at the hotel on Île de Ré, where the Lions are staying ahead of the match.

Emergency services reportedly arrived shortly after 10am on Friday but were unable to resuscitate him and he was pronounced dead at the scene. The player’s identity has not yet been confirmed.

French media further reported that psychological support had been arranged for members of the Lions squad and staff, as well as employees at the hotel, following the devastating news.

SA Rugby on Friday sent its condolences to the family of Lions lock forward Andrews who passed away tragically, following an accident while on duty with his team in France.

Andrews, who was born in Paarl and attended Hoërskool Garsfontein in Pretoria, also represented the Junior Springboks in 2015.

“This is terrible and distressing news; our hearts go out to Hyron’s family and the whole Lions rugby community,” said 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.”

The United Rugby Championship also extended their deepest condolences to the family and friends of 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," they said in a statement.

May Hyron rest in peace.

10bet Lions starting XV: 15 Quan Horn, 14 Kelly Mpeku, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Bronson Mills, 11 Erich Cronje; 10 Chris Smith (capt), 9 Morne can den Berg; 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 7 Siba Qoma, 6 Siba Mahashe; 5 Ruan Delport, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen; 3 Conraad van Vuuren, 2 Morne Brandon, 1 Boan Venter. Replacements: 16 Tiaan Lange, 17 SJ Kotze, 18 RF Schoeman, 19 Dylan Sjoblom, 20 Batho Hlekani, 21 Nico Steyn, 22 Richard Kriel, 23 Boeta Chamberlain.

Stade Rochelais v 10bet Lions - Saturday @ Stade Marcel Deflandre, La Rochelle (6.30pm)

Referee: Sam Grove-White

TV: SuperSport