Lions Rugby, on behalf of the Andrews family, has confirmed the cause of death of 31-year-old rugby lock Hyron Andrews, after he collapsed in the shower at the team’s hotel in France on Friday, 16 October.
Following an autopsy, Hyron’s death was found to be caused by an aortic dissection. This dissection most likely occurred on an aortic aneurysm.
The French authorities, who conducted the autopsy, described the cause of death as “a tear in the aorta (due to natural causes), which led to a significant accumulation of blood within the sac surrounding the heart.”
Lions Rugby says a timeline for the return of Hyron’s body to South Africa has not yet been determined.
Tributes have been pouring in following Hyron’s untimely death.
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. He had undergone a hammam session (a high-humidity and warm steam spa) about an hour earlier.
Andrews had shown no signs of health problems in the days leading up to his death.
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
