Rasaad Adams|Published
The South African rugby community is mourning the death of Lions lock Hyron Andrews, who died in France at the age of 31.
The former Junior Springbok passed away on Friday, October 16, 2026, on the eve of the Lions’ Investec Champions Cup clash against La Rochelle, leaving teammates, supporters and the nation devastated.
Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie paid tribute to Andrews, highlighting the courage and sacrifices required to play in the second row.
“Hyron played in a position that asks for nothing but courage; the work nobody sees and the hits nobody counts. He gave that to the Sharks, to Sale, to the Junior Boks and to the Lions, without complaint,” McKenzie said.
“To lose him at 31, far from home, on the day before a match his teammates had worked so hard towards, is a very cruel thing.”
The minister extended his condolences to Andrews’ family, friends, teammates and everyone in the rugby community who knew him.
He also urged the public and media to respect the family’s privacy while French authorities establish the circumstances surrounding his death.
According to AFP, a source close to the investigation said Andrews was found in cardiac arrest in the 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, which occurred on the island of Ile de Re, and said that an accidental death was currently the leading line of inquiry. An autopsy is due to be carried out, the source close to the investigation said.
Lions mourn valued teammate
The Lions also expressed their heartbreak at losing a valued member of their team.
“It is with broken hearts that we mourn the passing of Hyron Andrews, a valued member of our Lions family,” the team said in a statement.
The Lions extended their deepest condolences to Maiglin, Hendrix, Emerson and the entire Andrews family during what they described as an incredibly difficult time.
“Rest in peace, Hyron. You will always be part of our family,” the team added.
From Paarl to professional rugby
Andrews’ rugby journey began in Paarl, where he grew up, before he made his mark in the professional game.
His talent and dedication earned him selection for the Junior Springboks in 2015, marking an important milestone and establishing him as one of the country’s most promising young rugby players.
He went on to enjoy nearly a decade with the Sharks in Durban, becoming a familiar presence in the union’s forward pack.
Andrews later moved overseas to join England’s Sale Sharks before returning to South African rugby at the beginning of the current season to represent the Lions.
He quickly established himself in the Johannesburg-based team, featuring in every one of the Lions’ United Rugby Championship matches this season.
His former primary school, Laerskool Paulus Joubert in Paarl, also paid tribute to its former learner, describing him as a talented rugby player who had forged a special path in professional rugby through dedication, perseverance and passion.
The school extended its condolences to his family and friends, saying his legacy as a sportsman and the memories he left behind would live on.
McKenzie said his thoughts were also with the Lions players preparing to take the field in France.
“To the Lions players who must take the field in La Rochelle tomorrow: you will be carrying a terrible weight, but you will not be carrying it alone. South Africa is behind you,” he said.