TEAM TRAGEDY: Lions lock Hyron Andrews has died from suspected cardiac arrest — condolences pour in

Lions lock Hyron Andrews, 31, has died in a hotel room in France, where the South African team has been preparing for the Champions Cup debut against La Rochelle.

It has been confirmed that South African lock Hyron Andrews was the player who passed way in France on Friday morning from suspected cardiac arrest.

The Lions were in the southwestern French city preparing to face La Rochelle in their first ever Champions Cup match.

French media reported that Andrew died in a hotel room on the Île de Ré.

Île de Ré is an island off the western coast of France, and connected via a bridge to the mainland city.

According to media reports in France, the player was found unresponsive in a shower cubicle.

Paramedics attempted to resuscitate him but were unsuccessful. He was pronounced dead. The player was in cardiac arrest when emergency services arrived shortly before 10.30am.

In honour of Andrews, the Lions have decided to play the Champions Cup match against two-time champions La Rochelle, scheduled for Saturday, 17 October 2026.

“The squad, as a group, have chosen to play tomorrow as planned in honour of their teammate,” a statement from European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) said.

“In memory of Hyron, a moment’s silence will be held ahead of every Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup match this weekend.”

EPCR Chairman Dominic McKay added: “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 Lions and all those who knew and loved him at this incredibly difficult time.”

“This devastating news has sent shockwaves through the international rugby community,” the statement read.

“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.”