Former Sale Sharks lock Andrews dies at team hotel in La Rochelle
Former Sale Sharks second‑row Hyron Andrews has died at the Johannesburg Lions’ team hotel ahead of their Champions Cup clash with La Rochelle on Saturday. A statement from SA Rugby described his death as an “accident” and said the 31‑year‑old “died after a fall”. The public prosecutor in La Rochelle is investigating the incident, while local media have reported that Andrews may have suffered a heart attack while in the shower.
Lions chief executive Rudolf Straeuli expressed the club’s grief, saying, “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 chairman Mr Altmann Allers, the board and everyone at the Lions, Straeuli added, “I extend our deepest sympathies to Maighlin, 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 confirmed they will fulfil their fixture against La Rochelle, which kicks off at 17:30 BST, in Andrews’ honour. A moment’s silence will be observed at all opening round matches, with organisers EPCR extending their sympathies to the Andrews family.
Mark Alexander, president of the South African Rugby Union, said, “This is terrible and distressing news; our hearts go out to Hyron’s family and the whole Lions rugby community.” He continued, “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, team‑mates and loved ones during this time of immense sorrow.” Alexander concluded, “His untimely passing is a devastating loss, and we share in the grief of all who knew and loved him.”
Andrews began his career with the Sharks in Durban, where he played alongside Springbok World Cup winners Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth and Lukhanyo Am. He left Sale in the summer to return to his native South Africa. After joining the club in February 2024 as injury cover for England international lock Jonny Hill, he made 45 appearances for Sale.
Sale director of rugby Alex Sanderson paid tribute, stating, “Hyron was just a brilliant guy and a brilliant team‑mate. He was so skilled on the field but off it, he was always someone you would want to have a beer with.” Sanderson added, “He was funny and charismatic in his own unique, dry way and the lads, to a man, loved playing with him and being around him.” He noted, “It was a big move for Hyron and his wife Maighlin to come to England, but he truly made a second home in Manchester. It was incredible to see how he and his family