Lions honor late teammate Hyron Andrews with emotional tribute in France

The Lions observed a minute of silence before their European Rugby Champions Cup match against La Rochelle at the Marcel‑Deflandre Stadium on October 17, 2026, after the sudden death of 31‑year‑old lock forward Hyron Andrews. The South African player had died in France the day before, a fact confirmed by SA Rugby and the Lions organization.

Andrews’ number five jersey was laid on the pitch, and his image and full name, Hyron Diego Andrews, were displayed on the stadium’s big screen. Several Lions players bowed their heads, some with tears, while others clasped each other’s waists and closed their eyes. The crowd at the venue broke into spontaneous applause after the silence, and the French club presented a La Rochelle shirt to the Lions staff as a gesture of solidarity.

Inside the Lions’ dressing room, players formed a circle before walking out onto the field. La Rochelle players, led by French forward Gregory Alldritt, wore black armbands. According to La Rochelle backs coach Remi Tales, some of his players visited the Lions’ hotel on Friday to offer support, and after discussions between the two clubs the match was allowed to proceed. La Rochelle ultimately won 31‑14.

Prosecutor Arnaud Laraize told the Associated Press that Andrews was found in a locked shower cubicle on Friday morning, after having taken a hammam session about an hour earlier. Those close to him said he had shown no signs of illness in the days leading up to his death. An investigation into the cause of death has been opened, and an autopsy is scheduled.

SA Rugby said Andrews died after a fall. The former KZN Sharks and Sale Sharks forward had recently joined the Lions for the current season. “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,” said Rudolf Straeuli, CEO of SA Rugby.

Sale Sharks also issued a statement, offering “heartfelt condolences to his wife, their beautiful boys and the rest of his family and friends and everyone at Lions Rugby.” The club noted that Andrews made 45 appearances for Sale. Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson added, “Hyron was just a brilliant guy and a brilliant teammate. He was so skilled on the field but, off it, he was always someone you would want to have a beer with. He was funny and charismatic in his own unique, dry way and the lads loved playing with him and being around him.”