South Africa Rugby has paid tribute to “gifted” Hyron Andrews after the Lions lock forward’s tragic death on tour with the team in France.
The 31-year-old, who played for KZN Sharks and Sale Sharks in England, has passed away following an accident at the team’s hotel in La Rochelle.
Andrews leaves behind his wife, Maiglin, and young sons, with his Lions teammates set to play their European Champions Cup match against Stade Rochelais on Saturday.
The squad decided to play the match “in honour of their teammate,” with a moment’s silence to be held ahead of every Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup match this weekend. While former team Sale will pay tribute to Andrews before their Champions Cup fixture against Glasgow Warriors.
The Lions stated Andrews’ loss was “felt profoundly by his teammates, coaches, supporters and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
While a statement from Mark Alexander, president of SA Rugby, read: “This is terrible and distressing news; our hearts go out to Hyron’s family and the whole Lions rugby community.
“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.”
While Rudolf Straeuli, Chief Executive Officer of the Lions Rugby Company, 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.
"On behalf of our Chairman, Mr 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.”
Andrews was born in Paarl and attended Hoërskool Garsfontein in Pretoria and also represented the Junior Springboks in 2015, though his presence was felt in Greater Manchester during his time with Sale, making 45 appearances in total.
Sharks Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson said: “Hyron was just a brilliant guy and a brilliant teammate. He was so skilled on the field but off it, he was always someone you would want to have a beer with.
“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 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.”
And EPCR Chairman Dominic McKay added: “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.”