Lions lock forward Hyron Andrews passed away tragically on Friday while on tour with the team, and on the eve of their Champions Cup opener against La Rochelle on Saturday.
Andrews was pronounced dead after medical personnel responded to the scene.
Initial reports suggested that the 31-year-old had died of a suspected heart attack, but in the statement from SA Rugby, it was suggested that he had passed away “following an accident while on duty with his team in France”.
SA Rugby stated that he “died after falling at the team’s hotel”.
CONDOLENCES POUR IN AFTER DEATH OF HYRON ANDREWS
Andrews, who was born in Paarl and attended Hoërskool Garsfontein in Pretoria, represented the Junior Springboks in 2015 and also played for the KZN Sharks and Sale Sharks in England.
“This is terrible and distressing news; our hearts go out to Hyron’s family and the whole Lions rugby community,” said 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 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.”
LIONS MATCH TO GO AHEAD
According to a statement, the Lions squad, as a group, have chosen to play on Saturday in honour of their teammate.
In memory of Andrews, a moment’s silence will be held ahead of every Champions Cup and Challenge Cup match 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, wider family, friends, teammates, the Lions and all those who knew and loved him at this incredibly difficult time.”