Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
Hyron Andrews. Morgan Treacy/INPHO
From The 42RIP
South African rugby player Hyron Andrews found dead in France ahead of Champions Cup match
The Champions Cup game was scheduled for Saturday evening in France.
LAST UPDATE | 5 hrs ago
SOUTH AFRICAN CLUB Lions Rugby has confirmed the death of player Hyron Andrews while on tour ahead of their Champions Cup game against La Rochelle, due to take place tomorrow.
The former Sharks and Sale Sharks lock from South Africa, aged 31, was described by the club as “a valued member of the Lions family”.
South The Lions said they will fulfil the fixture against La Rochelle “in honour of Hyron”.
LIONS SADDENED BY THE PASSING OF STAR LOCK With broken hearts, we mourn Hyron Andrews, a cherished member of our Lions family. Our thoughts are with Maiglin, Hendrix, Emerson and the entire Andrews family. Rest in peace, Hyron. ❤️ Full statement: https://t.co/V8WppYBnPk https://t.co/lrVV5xLBqk
— Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) October 16, 2026
The club said in a statement: “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 of 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.
“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 player for the Johannesburg-based Lions team was found dead at a hotel in France on the eve of a Champions Cup match with La Rochelle, local authorities told AFP on Friday.
A source close to the investigation said he was found in cardiac arrest inside a shower cubicle that was locked from the inside.
The public prosecutor in La Rochelle, western France, confirmed that an investigation had been opened to determine the cause of death and said that an accidental death was currently the leading line of inquiry.
An autopsy is due to be carried out, a source close to the investigation said.
The tragedy comes exactly 10 years to the day since the sudden death of former Munster coach Anthony Foley, who died in his sleep aged 42 due to a heart rhythm disorder just hours before his team were due to play against Racing 92 in Paris in the same competition.
Written by AFP and originally published on The 42 whose award-winning team produces original content that you won’t find anywhere else: on GAA, League of Ireland, women’s sport and boxing, as well as our game-changing rugby coverage, all with an Irish eye. Subscribe here.
have your say