Lions confirm Hyron Andrews’ death, will play La Rochelle in his honour

The Lions have confirmed the death of lock Hyron Andrews while on tour and said they will play their Champions Cup opener against La Rochelle in his honour on Saturday.

In a statement issued on Friday, 16 October, the Lions Rugby Company said Andrews had been with the squad ahead of its Champions Cup and United Rugby Championship fixtures. The club did not disclose a cause of death.

The match against La Rochelle will go ahead on Saturday, 17 October, at 18:30 South African time, the Lions said. The club described the decision to fulfil the fixture as a tribute to Andrews.

Tribute from the Lions

Lions chief executive Rudolf Straeuli said Andrews had joined the team this season and was valued both as a player and as a member of the club.

“We are heartbroken by the passing of Hyron,” Straeuli said.

Andrews previously played for the Sharks and Sale Sharks. The Lions extended their condolences to his family and asked that their privacy be respected.

The club said it would announce details of an appropriate tribute in due course. Its statement confirmed the immediate match arrangements but did not set out those further commemorative plans.