The Lions have confirmed the death of lock Hyron Andrews, who passed away while on tour with the squad for the Investec Champions Cup clash against La Rochelle.
Reports on Friday confirmed that a player at the club was found dead in the team’s hotel in France and the Lions have since released a statement confirming his identity.
Furthermore, the Lions have decided to honour Andrews by opting not to postpone their Champions Cup fixture against La Rochelle tomorrow evening.
Lions Rugby statement on Hyron Andrews
“The Lions Rugby Company is deeply saddened by the passing of player Hyron Andrews while on tour with the 10bet Lions ahead of their Investec Champions Cup and Vodacom United Rugby Championship fixtures,” the statement read.
“This devastating news has sent shockwaves through the international rugby community. The former Sharks and Sale Sharks lock forward was a valued member of the Lions family, and his loss will be felt profoundly by his teammates, coaches, supporters and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
“Our deepest and most heartfelt condolences go to Hyron’s wife, Maiglin, their young sons, and the entire Andrews family. We hold them in our thoughts during this time of unimaginable grief and ask that their privacy be respected as they mourn.”
As mentioned above, the 31-year-old represented the Sharks, Sale Sharks and Lions during his career after playing for both the South African Schools and U20s teams.
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Lions Rugby Company Chief Executive Officer, Rudolf Straeuli said: “We are heartbroken by the passing of Hyron. He was not only a gifted rugby player, but also a cherished member of our Lions family having recently joined us this season. On behalf of our Chairman, Mr Altmann Allers, the board and everyone at the Lions, I extend our deepest sympathies to Maiglin, their young sons Hendrix and Emerson and the entire Andrews family. We stand with them in their sorrow and will remember Hyron with great affection and respect.”
The statement concluded: “The Lions Rugby Company will communicate further details regarding an appropriate tribute in due course.
“In honour of Hyron, the 10bet Lions will fulfill their opening match of the Investec Champions Cup against La Rochelle tomorrow evening (18:30) South African time.
“May Hyron rest in peace.”
Champions Cup fixture goes ahead
The EPCR also reacted to the news, expressing its sadness over the player’s passing while confirming that the fixture will go ahead.
“It is with deep sadness that EPCR has learned of the tragic passing of 10bet Lions player Hyron Andrews while on tour ahead of their Investec Champions Cup and URC fixtures,” the statement read.
EPCR Chairman Dominic McKay said: “The thoughts of everyone at EPCR and the wider international rugby community are with Hyron’s wife Maiglin, his young sons, wider family, friends, teammates, the 10bet Lions and all those who knew and loved him at this incredibly difficult time.
“The 10bet Lions squad and management are currently in France ahead of their Round 1 Investec Champions Cup match against Stade Rochelais, and the squad, as a group, have chosen to play tomorrow as planned in honour of their teammate.
“In memory of Hyron, a moment’s silence will be held ahead of every Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup match this weekend.”
SA Rugby Statement
SA Rugby’s statement added: “SA Rugby on Friday sent its condolences to the family of Lions lock forward Hyron Andrews who passed away tragically, following an accident while on duty with his team in France.
“Andrews, 31, who also played for the KZN Sharks and Sale Sharks in England, died after falling at the team’s hotel in La Rochelle, where they are scheduled to play a match in the European Champions Cup on Saturday.
“Andrews, who was born in Paarl and attended Hoërskool Garsfontein in Pretoria, also represented the Junior Springboks in 2015.”
“This is terrible and distressing news; our hearts go out to Hyron’s family and the whole Lions rugby community,” said Mr Mark Alexander, president of the South African Rugby Union.
“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.
“Hyron was a respected member of the rugby community whose contribution to the game and impact on those around him will be remembered with great fondness.
“His untimely passing is a devastating loss, and we share in the grief of all who knew and loved him.
“The thoughts and prayers of the entire South African rugby family are with Maighlin and all those mourning his loss. May they find strength, comfort and peace in the memories they shared with him and in the support of those around them.”