THE past week has tested the Lions in ways no rugby match ever could or should, but amid the grief following the unexpected death of lock Hyron Andrews, the Johannesburg-based side have found comfort in the compassion of the rugby community and the bonds that hold the game together.
As the Lions prepare to face Edinburgh in the United Rugby Championship (URC) in Scotland this week, scrum coach Julian Redelinghuys reflected on an emotionally draining period in which his team had to make the difficult decision to take the field against La Rochelle just a day after Andrews’ death.
SA Rugby said in a statement last Friday that Andrews “died after falling at the team’s hotel in La Rochelle”.
For Redelinghuys, the support shown by players, opposition teams, staff and people from across the world was a powerful reminder that, while rugby is fiercely competitive between the lines, it remains a game built on respect and humanity beyond them.
“Rugby remains rugby, and it has to be a war between the four lines, but outside those lines, it’s a gentleman’s game where people really care for each other,” Redelinghuys said during an online media conference from Edinburgh yesterday.
It was a sentiment that came to life during the Lions’ difficult visit to France, where the response to Andrews’ death left a lasting impression on the squad.
“To say it was a rough week is a little bit of an understatement,” Redelinghuys said.
Reflecting on the support they received from La Rochelle, who beat them 31-14 on Saturday, he said the compassion shown had been genuine and deeply meaningful.
“From the moment we arrived until after the match in the changeroom, the whole process was unbelievable. How the rugby community can stand together proved it is more than just a sport,” he added.
The decision to play against La Rochelle was not an easy one.
In the immediate aftermath of Andrews’ death, the Lions had to weigh up whether taking the field was the right way to honour their teammate and his family. The players discussed their options, including postponing the match or forfeiting it, before ultimately deciding to play.
“It was probably one of the most difficult decisions the players have had to make in rugby,” Redelinghuys said.
The Lions were determined to play for Andrews, rather than allow the result to become the defining measure of their performance.
“We weren’t going to worry about the result. We were going to worry about how hard we played for Hyron, and I think we made him proud,” he added.
Away from the match itself, the priority has been to support Andrews’ family and ensure they are guided by what the family needs during an incredibly difficult time.
The Lions have remained in contact with the family, offering practical assistance and emotional support while respecting their wishes regarding communication and the arrangements to follow.
Redelinghuys also highlighted how MyPlayers stepped in to support everyone involved with the Lions.
“The moment it all happened, there were people from everywhere [offering to help us]. MyPlayers immediately made themselves available. There were various points of contact,” he said, referring to the support available to the players.
“One of the amazing things about a team is that the guys have each other. We have each other as a team.”
Turning his attention to Friday’s clash against Edinburgh, Redelinghuys said of the team’s preparations: “There’s no manual for this. We can only trust and do what we can. We need to support the guys as much as we can.”