La Rochelle and Lions paid tribute to former Sale Sharks second row Hyron Andrews before their Champions Cup clash on Saturday, following his sudden death in France on Friday.
A minute’s silence was observed before kick-off, with a Lions No.5 jersey placed in front of the players in memory of Andrews, whose death had cast a shadow over the fixture.
Lions produced a courageous performance in difficult circumstances, remaining within striking distance of the two-time European champions for an hour before the French hosts pulled clear.
A statement from SA rugby said Andrews “passed away tragically, following an accident” and that he had “died after falling” at the team hotel.
Heartbroken
The 31-year-old South African had spent the previous two years at Sale before returning home this summer to join Lions.
Lions chief executive 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.”
GIFTED: Former Sale Sharks second row Hyron AndrewsPICTURE: Getty Images
Devastated
According to French media reports, the player was found unconscious in a shower cubicle at a hotel on the Ile de Re – an island off France’s western coast connected to the mainland by a bridge near La Rochelle – where the team had been staying since Tuesday.
Emergency services were called to attend to the player, who was in cardiorespiratory arrest. Attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.
Andrews first joined Sale from Sharks in 2024 on a short-term deal but earned a contract extension, making 45 appearances in total for Sale.
In a statement posted on social media Sale said: “Everyone at Sale Sharks is devastated to learn of the death of our former player Hyron Andrews.
“Hyron was a much-loved member of the squad and everyone at the club is united in sending their love, thoughts and heartfelt condolences to his wife Maighlin, their beautiful boys and the rest of his family and friends and everyone at Lions Rugby.”
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