South African rugby player Hyron Andrews has died in a tragic accident on a French island.
The 31-year old, who played as lock for Johannesburg Lions, was found unresponsive in a shower cubicle at the Hotel Atalante on an island off the west coast of France the day before the team’s Champions Cup match against French team La Rochelle.
Paramedics unsuccessfully attempted to resuscitate the father of two before he was declared dead due to cardiorespiratory arrest.
“The Lions Rugby Company is deeply saddened by the passing of player Hyron Andrews while on tour with the 10bet Lions ahead of their Investec Champions Cup and Vodacom United Rugby Championship fixtures,” the Lions said in a statement.
“This devastating news has sent shockwaves through the international rugby community. 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, Maighlin, 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.”
Despite the tragedy, the Lions will still play their Champions Cup match, with the club’s statement saying they will do so “in honour of Hyron”.
“In memory of Hyron, a moment’s silence will be held ahead of every Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup match this weekend,” European Professional Club Rugby chairman Dominic McKay said.
A statement released by South Africa Rugby said Andrews died “after falling at the team’s hotel”.
“Hyron was a respected member of the rugby community whose contribution to the game and impact on those around him will be remembered with great fondness,” SARU president Mark Alexander said.
“His untimely passing is a devastating loss, and we share in the grief of all who knew and loved him.”
A former South Africa U20s representative, Andrews began his rugby union career with the Sharks in the Super Rugby and then URC competitions, before switching to English club Sale Sharks in 2024.
He returned home to South Africa to play for the Lions earlier this year.
Tributes have poured in for the 31-year old, with Sale Sharks director of rugby Alex Sanderson describing him as “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, to a man, loved playing with him and being around him,” Sanderson said.
“It was a big move for Hyron and his wife Maighlin to come to England, but he truly made a second home in Manchester and 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.”
Local police are not treating the death as suspicious, with the La Rochelle prosecutor’s office telling Sud Ouestthat Andrews’ body showed “no signs of violence, and the involvement of a third party is not considered the most likely explanation for the tragedy”.