The Lions have confirmed that lock Hyron Andrews died from an aortic dissection, most likely caused by an aortic aneurysm, following an autopsy conducted by French authorities.
In a statement released on behalf of the Andrews family, the Lions Rugby Company said the autopsy found that the 31-year-old’s death was caused by a tear in the aorta, resulting in a significant accumulation of blood around the heart.
The French authorities described the cause of death as “a tear in the aorta (due to natural causes), which led to a significant accumulation of blood within the sac surrounding the heart”.
The Lions bravely went ahead with the fixture, losing 31-14, in an emotionally charged encounter in which the players honoured their late teammate. Captain Francke Horn laid Andrews’ No 5 jersey on the pitch before kick-off following a moving minute’s silence.
The occasion was made all the more poignant by the compassion shown by La Rochelle, whose players, management and supporters rallied around the grieving Lions. The French club offered comfort and support after Andrews’ death, while the home crowd clapped the Lions players onto the field for their warm-up, and off it.
The French authorities currently have custody of Andrews’ body while arrangements are made for his repatriation to South Africa.
The Lions said a timeline for his return had not yet been determined.
“The Andrews family asks for respect, privacy and patience during this difficult time as the repatriation process begins,” the statement said.
The Lions added that they would communicate further information when it became available and in consultation with the family.