- Lions lock Hyron Andrews was found unconscious in a shower at the team's hotel on the Île de Ré, France, on Friday 16 October
- Emergency services attended to Andrews, who was in cardiorespiratory arrest, but he could not be revived
- SA Rugby and the Lions both released statements, with differing descriptions of the circumstances surrounding his death
The Lions have confirmed the death of lock forward Hyron Andrews, who passed away on Friday 16 October 2025 while the squad was on tour in France, just one day before their Champions Cup opener against La Rochelle.
Andrews, 31, was found unconscious in a shower cubicle at the team's hotel on the Île de Ré, an island off France's western coast where the Lions had been based since Tuesday. Emergency services were called to the scene shortly after 10am local time and attended to the player, who was in cardiorespiratory arrest. He was pronounced dead after medical personnel responded.
Initial reports pointed to a suspected heart attack, but a statement issued by SA Rugby described his passing differently. "SA Rugby on Friday sent its condolences to the family of Lions lock forward Hyron Andrews who passed away tragically, following an accident while on duty with his team in France," the governing body said.
Lions pay tribute to Andrews and his family
The Lions released a statement expressing grief and asking for the privacy of those closest to Andrews to be respected. "Our deepest and most heartfelt condolences go to Hyron's wife, Maighlin, 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 club said.
Andrews is survived by his wife, Maighlin, an American medical practitioner, and their two young sons, Hendrix and Emerson.
- He was born in Paarl: Hyron Andrews was born on 6 July 1995 in Paarl, Western Cape. The South African rugby player was 31 years old at the time of his death.
- He began his rugby journey with the Bulls: Andrews represented the Bulls at junior level before joining the Sharks Academy in 2014. He made his first-class debut in 2015 and went on to feature 77 times for the Sharks between 2016 and 2024. By 2018, he had become part of the team's leadership group and was the Sharks' leading lineout-ball winner during that year's Currie Cup campaign.
- He returned to South Africa with the Lions: Andrews later joined the Lions after reportedly being recruited from English club Sale Sharks by coach Ivan van Rooyen. His arrival brought valuable experience and physical strength to the second-row position as the Johannesburg-based side prepared for Raynard Roets' departure to France.
- He was married to Maiglin Andrews: Away from rugby, Hyron shared his life with his wife, Maiglin Andrews, an American medical practitioner.
- He leaves behind two young sons: Hyron and Maiglin had two sons together, Hendrix and Emerson. His family life remained an important part of his story beyond his achievements on the rugby field.
Source: Briefly News