- SA Rugby president Mark Alexander issued a public statement after Lions lock Hyron Andrews died in France on 16 October 2026
- Andrews, a former Junior Springbok who had also played for the Sharks and Sale Sharks, had joined the Lions earlier this season
- Lions CEO Rudolf Straeuli extended condolences to Andrews' wife and their two young sons as the rugby community mourned the loss
SA Rugby president Mark Alexander has expressed his condolences following the death of Lions lock Hyron Andrews, who passed away at the age of 31 after an incident at the team's hotel in La Rochelle, France, on Friday, 16 October 2026.
Source: Twitter
Andrews was travelling with the Lions squad ahead of a scheduled European Champions Cup match against Stade Rochelais when the incident occurred. No further details surrounding the circumstances of his death have been confirmed.
Alexander described the news as deeply distressing and directed his sympathies to Andrews' wife, Maighlin, as well as his broader family, friends and teammates.
"This is terrible and distressing news; our hearts go out to Hyron's family and the whole Lions rugby community," Alexander said.
"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."
Alexander also acknowledged Andrews' contribution to the game and the lasting impression he left on those who knew him.
Born in Paarl, Andrews attended Hoërskool Garsfontein in Pretoria. He represented the Junior Springboks in 2015 and went on to play for the Sharks and Sale Sharks in England before joining the Lions for the 2026 season.
Lions CEO Rudolf Straeuli mourns loss
Lions Rugby Company chief executive Rudolf Straeuli reflected on what Andrews meant to the franchise, describing him as more than a rugby player.
Straeuli conveyed condolences on behalf of Lions chairman Altmann Allers, the board and staff to Maighlin and the couple's two young sons, Hendrix and Emerson.
Former rugby player dies
Briefly News previously reported that former Welsh rugby player Dan Singer died on 1 October 2026 while taking part in a charity cycling challenge organised to support a former teammate battling a brain tumour.
The 48-year-old’s death prompted tributes from his former clubs, while fellow cyclists continued the fundraising effort in his memory.
Source: Briefly News
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