Lions player Hyron Andrews has tragically passed away France ahead of his side Investec Champions Cup opener against La Rochelle.
The club confirmed the devastating news that Andrews was the player at the center of multiple reports coming out of France this Friday about the death of a player at the team hotel.
It was reported that the 6’8 second row was found unresponsive at the Lions team hotel on Île de Ré, where the South African side were staying ahead of Saturday’s match.
Friday morning, French edition Here is La Rochelle reported that the former Sale Sharks and the Hollywood Bet Sharks forward was discovered in the shower and emergency services could not revive him.
According to those reports, emergency personnel were called to the Atalante Relais Thalasso hotel in Sainte-Marie-de-Ré just after 10:20 a.m. local time. The 31-year-old was said to be in cardiac arrest when paramedics arrived and was later pronounced dead.
A statement from the Lions read: “The Lions Rugby Company is deeply saddened by the death 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. Former Sharks and Sale The Sharks Lock Forward was a valued member of the Lions family and his loss will be deeply felt by his teammates, coaches, fans and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
“Our deepest and most sincere condolences go out to Hyron’s wife, Maiglin, their young sons and the entire Andrews family. We keep them in our thoughts during this time of unimaginable grief and ask that their privacy be respected as they grieve.”
CEO Rudolf Straeuli said: “We are heartbroken by Hyron’s passing. He was not only a gifted rugby player, but also a valued member of our Lions family who recently joined us this season. On behalf of our chairman, Mr. Altmann Allers, the board and everyone at Lions, I extend our deepest sympathies to Mao Andrewsglinson and their young sons and their young sons. We stand with them in their grief and will remember Hyron with great love and with respect.
The statement continued: “Further details regarding the appropriate tribute will be communicated by Lions Rugby in due course. In honor of Hyron, the 10bet Lions will play their opening match of the Investec Champions Cup against La Rochelle tomorrow evening (6.30pm South African time).”
The death comes on the tenth anniversary of the then sudden death Munster head coach, Anthony Foley, who died of heart problems in a French hotel while touring the Irish province.
Ex Ireland and the Munster No.8 died unexpectedly aged 42 in October 2016 while with the team in Paris ahead of a Champions Cup game against Racing 92.
La Rochelle suffered its own heart attack last season, when former French tennis player Uini Atonio suffered a life-threatening heart attack that ended his rugby career.
The Lions were looking to bounce back from a struggling United last weekend Rugby Championship defeat of Bulls and arrived in France for a three-match European tour led by captain Francke Horn, but tragedy could throw those plans up in the air.
The EPCR has confirmed that, in memory of Andrews, a moment of silence will be held ahead of each Champions Cup and Challenge Cup game this weekend.
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, his extended family, friends, teammates, the 10bet Lions and all those who knew and loved him at this incredibly difficult time.”
Alex Sanderson, Andrews’ boss at former club Sale Sharks, said: “Hyron was just a brilliant lad and a brilliant team-mate. He was so skilled on the pitch but off it, he was always someone you’d want to have a beer with.”
“He was funny and charismatic in his own unique, dry way, and the boys, to a man, loved playing with him and being around him.
“It was a big move for Hyron and its Maighlin England but he really has made a second home in Manchester and it’s been amazing to see how he and his family have embraced the club and the area.
“Most importantly, Maylin was a loving husband and loving father to his two beautiful boys. It was an absolute privilege to know him and it’s absolutely devastating for everyone.”
The Gallagher PREM statement paid tribute to the popular lock.
“Everyone at PREM Rugby and our clubs is deeply saddened by the death of Hyron Andrews and we extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends.
“Our thoughts are also with Hyron’s teammates past and present, everyone at the Lions and Sale Sharks, and the wider South African rugby community at this very difficult time.”
The URC also expressed its ‘sincere sympathies’ to the family and friends of the Andrews.
“United Rugby sends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Hyron Andrews, as well as 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 with the Lions family and the wider rugby community in mourning his passing.
“Our sincere sympathies go out to all those who knew and loved Hyron.”
SA Rugby described Andrews’ death as a “terrible loss”.
“This is terrible and distressing news; our hearts go out to Hyron’s family and the entire Lions rugby community,” said Mr 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 sadness.
“Hyron was a valued member of the rugby community whose contribution to the game and impact on those around him will be fondly remembered.
“His untimely death is a devastating loss, and we share 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 who mourn his loss. May they find strength, comfort and peace in the memories they shared with him and in the support of those around them.”
