Who Was the Lions Rugby Player Who Died in France Before the Champions Cup Opener?
South African rugby player Hyron Andrews died in France on Friday, Oct. 16, at age 31, just one day before the Lions were due to make their debut in the European Champions Cup against La Rochelle. The lock forward had recently joined the Johannesburg-based club after playing for the Sharks in South Africa and Sale Sharks in England.
The Lions confirmed Andrews’ death later Friday, prompting tributes from across the rugby community. The team also confirmed that Saturday’s fixture against La Rochelle would proceed as scheduled in his honor.
Who Was Hyron Andrews?
Andrews was a South African lock forward known for his work in the second row, particularly at the lineout. Towering at 6 feet 8 inches, Andrews played for South Africa’s Sharks before moving to England to join Sale Sharks.
According to Sale Sharks, Andrews initially joined the English club toward the end of the 2023-24 season as injury cover before earning contract extensions. His performances included a contribution to the team’s push for a Premiership playoff place.
He returned to South Africa in 2026 to join the Lions, beginning a new chapter in his professional career. He had also represented South Africa at the schools and under-20 levels, including with the Junior Springboks in 2015, although he had not earned a senior international cap.
What Happened to Hyron Andrews in France?
Andrews died while the Lions were in France preparing for their opening Investec Champions Cup match against La Rochelle, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 17.
French media reports cited by RugbyPass said Andrews was found unresponsive in a shower cubicle at the team’s hotel on Île de Ré. Emergency services were reportedly called shortly after 10 a.m. local time Friday, but efforts to revive him were unsuccessful.
The South African Rugby Union subsequently said Andrews had died following an accident involving a fall at the team’s hotel. Further details about the circumstances of his death were not established in the initial announcements.
The Lions also did not publicly disclose a definitive medical cause of death in their statement.
European Rugby Clubs to Honor Andrews With Moments of Silence
The Lions initially faced uncertainty over whether their European opener would proceed following the news. The club later confirmed that the squad had decided to play the match as planned in Andrews’ memory.
Lions Rugby Company CEO Rudolf Straeuli said the club was heartbroken by the loss, describing Andrews as “not only a gifted rugby player, but also a cherished member of our Lions family.” The club extended its condolences to Andrews’ wife, Maiglin, their two young sons, Hendrix and Emerson, and the wider family.
European Professional Club Rugby also announced that a moment of silence would be held before every Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup match over the weekend.
Andrews’ death comes 10 years after the death of Munster head coach Anthony Foley, who died in a Paris hotel in October 2016 while his team was in France for a European fixture, drawing comparisons with the given circumstances.
