Tributes are pouring in for Lions lock forward Hyron Andrews, who has died at the age of 31 following an accident at the team’s hotel in France.
Andrews was on tour with the Lions ahead of their Investec Champions Cup match against Stade Rochelais in La Rochelle on Saturday.
La Rochelle prosecutor Arnaud Laraize told the Associated Press that Andrews was found in a shower cubicle, which was locked from the inside, on Friday morning. He had reportedly undergone a hammam session (a high humidity and warm steam spa) about an hour earlier.
According to his entourage, Andrews had shown no signs of health problems in the days leading up to his death.
An investigation into the cause of death has been opened, and an autopsy was due to be carried out. Reports indicate that Andrews suffered a cardiac arrest, although this has not been officially confirmed.
South African Rugby Union president Mark Alexander described the news as terrible and distressing, extending condolences to Andrews’ wife, Maighlin, their two young sons, Hendrix and Emerson, and the wider rugby community.
He said Andrews was a respected member of the rugby fraternity whose contribution to the game and impact on those around him would be remembered with great fondness.
The Lions Rugby Company says the former Sharks and Sale Sharks lock had recently joined the team and had already become a cherished member of the Lions family.
Chief executive Rudolf Straeuli said the club was heartbroken by his passing.
#ForHyron https://t.co/PpzP1ZRkZj
— Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) October 18, 2026
The organisation has asked for the family’s privacy to be respected as they mourn their loss.
Andrews also spent three seasons with English club Sale Sharks, making 45 appearances before returning to South Africa at the end of the 2025/26 season.
Sale Sharks said everyone at the club was devastated by the news, describing Andrews as a much-loved member of the squad.
Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson remembered him as a brilliant player and teammate, as well as a funny and charismatic person who was loved by those around him.
Sanderson also paid tribute to Andrews as a devoted husband and father, saying it had been a privilege to know him.
Born in Paarl, Andrews attended Hoërskool Garsfontein in Pretoria and represented the Junior Springboks in 2015.
A gesture of respect and solidarity. 💛🦁
The @staderochelais family welcomed us with a guard of honour as we arrived at the stadium.
A moment that reminds us rugby is bigger than just the game. 💛 #ForHyron
#LionsPride #ForOurCity https://t.co/JrlDl4IMH4
— Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) October 17, 2026
