- Edinburgh coach Sean Everitt, who worked with Hyron Andrews at the Sharks, broke his silence on the lock's sudden death in France
- Everitt described Andrews as humble, polite, and a specialist whose skills extended well beyond the conventional second-row role
- Edinburgh have reached out to the Lions and planned a match tribute for Friday night's United Rugby Championship fixture
Edinburgh coach Sean Everitt has paid an emotional tribute to Lions lock Hyron Andrews, calling him a good man whose quiet professionalism and genuine warmth left a lasting impression on everyone who worked alongside him.
Everitt, who coached Andrews during his time at the Sharks, will lead Edinburgh against the Lions in Friday night's United Rugby Championship match in Scotland, just one week after Andrews died suddenly in France.
**Everitt Recalls the 'Ice Man'**
Speaking from Edinburgh, Everitt said the news had left him deeply shaken, particularly given Andrews' remarkable physical condition.
"It's almost surreal," he said. "I've been watching some of the video clips of him and his interviews on social media, and it's devastating news."
Andrews, who was known within rugby circles as "Ice Man" for his calm, unruffled temperament, was remembered by Everitt as someone who carried himself with an understated dignity.
"Hyron was an unassuming character, well-mannered, respected by every member of his team, and very humble," Everitt said. "He had great potential, and he was part of the Junior Springboks, but you would never say so. He just went about his work every day. He was incredibly polite and very popular. He was called Ice Man for a reason — he was always chilled and relaxed. He was a good man."
Everitt also highlighted Andrews' versatility as a player, noting that his athleticism, influenced in part by his love of basketball, made him a genuine weapon in attack.
"He scored some great tries for us in the outside channels. We used him in the midfield as well. He was a line-out specialist who caused problems for the opposition," Everitt said. "With us preparing for the Lions on Friday night with Hyron in it, he would have been a massive threat."
Edinburgh Reaches Out to the Lions
Following the tragedy, Everitt personally contacted Lions chief executive Rudolf Straeuli and coach Cash van Rooyen on Sunday to offer his condolences. He has since arranged to meet van Rooyen, along with some Edinburgh players, and the club has organised a pre-match coffee gathering for both squads.
Edinburgh are also planning a formal tribute for Friday night's fixture, though the specifics had not yet been confirmed at the time of the announcement.
Everitt expressed admiration for the manner in which the Lions conducted themselves against La Rochelle in the Champions Cup last weekend, despite losing 31-14 in the days immediately following Andrews' death.
"I thought the effort and bravery they showed against La Rochelle was incredible," he said. "To put in a performance like that, which ultimately didn't reflect the scoreboard at the end of the game, was incredible. It certainly would have brought the team closer together. They've got a purpose, which makes them very dangerous on Friday night."
Source: Briefly News