The Lions said they will still play against La Rochelle on Saturday in honour of Andrews.
31-year-old Hyron Andrews died in France on Friday morning. Picture: Alex Williamson/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Lions lock Hyron Andrews was pronounced dead on Friday morning after being found unresponsive in a hotel shower ahead of the team’s first-ever Champions Cup clash on Saturday.
Andrews, 31, was in cardiac arrest when emergency services arrived at the hotel in Sainte-Marie-de-Ré, on the French island of Île de Ré, where the team was training for the next day’s Champions Cup opener against La Rochelle.
Paramedics, who were called around 10.20am, attempted to resuscitate him but were unsuccessful.
The Lions said that “in honour of Hyron”, they would fulfil their opening Champions Cup match at the Stade Marcel-Deflandre at 6.30pm on Saturday.
Andrews signed for the Lions this season after several years at the Sale Sharks and Sharks in Durban. He played in all three of the Lions’ URC matches so far this season.
‘Most heartfelt condolences’
“This devastating news has sent shockwaves through the international rugby community,” a Lions statement read.
“[Andrews] 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.”
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 https://t.co/lrVV5xLBqk
– Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) October 16, 2026
Lions CEO 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 hotel told a French publication “that a psychological support unit has been set up within the establishment, both for employees and for the Lions team”.
