Lions forward Andrews dies suddenly ahead of match in France

Hyron Andrews died suddenly in France at the age of 31; the Lions say their Champions Cup game on Saturday against La Rochelle will go ahead in honour of the forward; Andrews previously played for English club Sale Sharks

Lions player Hyron Andrews has died suddenly in France, where the team were preparing for a Champions Cup fixture.

Following French media reports earlier on Friday that a Lions player had passed away, the club released a statement in the afternoon that named Andrews.

The 31-year-old South African second-row forward had spent the previous two years of his career playing for Sale Sharks in England before returning home this summer to join the Lions.

The Lions said Saturday's match against La Rochelle will go ahead "in honour of Hyron".

LIONS SADDENED BY THE PASSING OF STAR LOCK With broken hearts, we mourn Hyron Andrews, a cherished member of our Lions family. Our thoughts are with Maiglin, Hendrix, Emerson and the entire Andrews family. Rest in peace, Hyron. ❤️ Full statement: https://t.co/V8WppYBnPk pic.twitter.com/lrVV5xLBqk

The club statement said: "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.

"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."

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 shortly after 10am and attended to the player, who was in ⁠cardiorespiratory arrest. Attempts to resuscitate ​him were unsuccessful, the reports ​added.

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."

The Lions said that "an appropriate tribute" would be planned for a later date.