The Investec Champions Cup trophy.
Preparations for the Investec Champions Cup fixture between La Rochelle and the Lions have been disrupted after reports emerged from France that an unnamed player from the South African team has died.
La Rochelle and the Lions are scheduled to face off at the Stade Marcel Deflandre in their tournament opener on Saturday but according to a report on the ICI La Rochelle website, the player was found dead on Friday morning at the hotel on the Île de Ré island where the Johannesburg-based team are staying.
The report states that the player was found unresponsive in a shower cubicle and could not be revived by emergency services.
Meanwhile, France Info reports that the Lions player, who is in his 30s, was in cardiac arrest when paramedics arrived.
Management of the Hotel Atalante – Relais Thalasso told ICI La Rochelle that a psychological support unit has been set up at the establishment. This unit is available to both the Lions rugby team and the staff.
On the 10-year anniversary of Anthony Foley’s death
News of the player’s death was met with disbelief on social media and it comes on the 10-year anniversary of the death of former Munster head coach Anthony Foley.
The former Ireland and Munster back-row died in his sleep aged 42 on the eve of the Irish province’s Champions Cup clash with Racing 92 in Paris in 2016.
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“Shocking news in La Rochelle where a player from the Lions has apparently been found dead in their hotel room,” wrote journalist Paul Eddison in a post on X formerly known as Twitter.
“Horrendous for the entire touring party. Even more cruel that it comes on the 10th anniversary of Anthony Foley’s passing.”
Shocking news in La Rochelle where a player from the Lions has apparently been found dead in their hotel room
Horrendous for the entire touring party
Even more cruel that it comes on the 10th anniversary of Anthony Foley’s passing
— Paul Eddison (@pauleddison) October 16, 2026
The Lions are competing in the Champions Cup for the first time after previously playing in the European Challenge Cup competition.
READ MORE: Investec Champions Cup, Round One: Match officials, kick-off times and how to watch details confirmed