Former Sale Sharks lock Hyron Andrews dies at Johannesburg Lions hotel before La Rochelle Champions Cup match
Former Sale Sharks second‑row Hyron Andrews has died at the Johannesburg Lions’ team hotel ahead of their Champions Cup fixture against 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, while local media have reported that Andrews suffered a heart attack while in the shower.
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 chairman Mr Altmann Allers, the board and everyone at the Lions, Straeuli added, “I extend our deepest sympathies to Andrews’ wife 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 will play their match against La Rochelle, which kicks off at 17:30 BST, in Andrews’ honour. A moment’s silence will be observed at all opening round fixtures, with organisers EPCR extending their sympathies to his family.
Mark Alexander, president of the South African Rugby Union, commented, “This is terrible and distressing news; our hearts go out to Hyron’s family and the whole Lions rugby community. 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. His untimely passing is a devastating loss, and we share in the grief of all who knew and loved him.”
Andrews joined Sale Sharks in February 2024 as injury cover for England international lock Jonny Hill and made 45 appearances for the club before returning to South Africa at the end of the last season. Sale director of rugby Alex Sanderson recalled, “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. 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. 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 embraced the club and area. Most importantly, he was a loving husband to Maighlin and a doting father to his two gorgeous boys. It was an absolute privilege to get to know him and it’s just absolutely devastating for everyone.”
Although he never earned senior international honours, Andrews represented the Junior Springboks in 2015. His death comes ten years after the sudden passing of Munster coach Anthony Foley in Paris before a Champions Cup match. Foley, aged 42, died in his sleep on the eve of a game against Racing 92 after a heart condition caused fluid to build up in his lungs. Munster’s current players will wear commemorative tops featuring the club crest and Foley’s shirt number eight as part of their pre‑match routine for their encounter with Racing on Saturday.
The Lions, who host their home games at Ellis Park, are making their debut appearance in Europe’s premier club competition. South African sides were introduced into the continental tournament in the 2022‑23 season. So far this season they have won two of their first three United Rugby Championship matches, including a victory over defending champions Leinster in their opening game. Andrews played in all three fixtures, making his first start for the Lions in Saturday’s 57‑15 defeat by the Bulls.
Earlier this week Andrews spoke to the Mapantsula a Rugby Show, saying, “We work hard here, it’s good to decompress, get away and spend some time with the family. When the family is happy, you are happy and it shows when you go to work.”