Tributes are pouring in for Hyron Andrews after the Lions lock passed away suddenly following a fall at a hotel in France, aged just 31.
Andrews had travelled to France with the Lions to face La Rochelle in the Champions Cup.
Reports in the French media emerged on Friday suggesting a Lions player had passed away in camp, and the club has now named Andrews in a statement, which also confirmed the match against La Rochelle will go ahead on Saturday.
The club statement read: “With broken hearts, we mourn Hyron Andrews, a cherished member of our Lions family.
“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.
“The Lions Rugby Company will communicate further details regarding an appropriate tribute in due course.”
Hyron Andrews made 44 appearances for Sale Sharks before joining Lions this summer
Getty Images for Sale Sharks
The club’s CEO Rudolf Straeuli added: “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 Lions statement added that Saturday’s match against La Rochelle would go ahead “in honour of Hyron”.
It had been reported by the French press that a player was found unconscious in a shower at the hotel near La Rochelle. The Lions had been staying there since Tuesday. Emergency services were called but were unable to resuscitate the player.
South Africa Rugby has also offered condolences to the Andrews family, with president Mark Andrews saying in a statement: “This is terrible and distressing news; our hearts go out to Hyron’s family and the whole Lions rugby community.
Hyron Andrews represented South Africa at youth levels but never managed a senior cap
Getty Images for Sale Sharks
“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.”
Andrews plied his trade for Sale Sharks until this summer, making 45 appearances before he left to join the Lions. Sale’s director of rugby Alex Sanderson said via a statement that Andrews was a skilled rugby player but, chiefly, “someone you would want to have a beer with.”
He added: “He was funny and charismatic in his own unique, dry way and the lads, to a man, loved playing with him and being around him.
“It was a big move for Hyron and his wife Maighlin to come to England but he truly made a second home in Manchester and it was incredible to see how he and his family embraced the club and area.
“Most importantly, he was a loving husband to Maighlin and a doting father to his two gorgeous boys. It was an absolute privilege to get to know him and it’s just absolutely devastating for everyone.”
Sale will pay tribute to Andrews ahead of their match against Glasgow Warriors on Saturday.