Hyron Andrews, Former Sale Sharks Lock, Dies at 31
The Johannesburg Lions player died in his team hotel in La Rochelle following an accidental fall, according to SA Rugby.
Hyron Andrews, a former lock for Sale Sharks, has died at the age of 31. His passing occurred at his Johannesburg Lions' team hotel in La Rochelle prior to their Champions Cup match on Saturday.
SA Rugby issued a statement confirming Andrews' death was the result of an "accident" involving a fall. Lions chief executive Rudolf Straeuli expressed the club's heartbreak, describing Andrews as a "gifted rugby player" and a "cherished member of our Lions family" since joining this season. "We stand with them in their sorrow and will remember Hyron with great affection and respect," Straeuli added, extending condolences to Andrews' wife, Maighlin, their two sons, Hendrix and Emerson, and the wider family.
The Lions plan to proceed with their fixture against La Rochelle in honor of Andrews, and a minute's silence will be observed at all fixtures during the opening round.
Mark Alexander, president of the South African Rugby Union, conveyed shock and sympathy, stating, "His untimely passing is a devastating loss, and we share in the grief of all who knew and loved him."
Andrews had departed Sale in the summer to return to South Africa. He played 45 times for the club after his arrival in February 2024. While he had not yet earned senior international honors, Andrews represented the Junior Springboks in 2015.
The Johannesburg-based Lions are participating in Europe's premier club competition for the first time, following the integration of South African teams into the continental competition in the 2022-23 season. The team has secured two victories in their first three United Rugby Championship matches this season.
Andrews' death occurs a decade after the sudden passing of Munster coach Anthony Foley in Paris before a Champions Cup match. Foley, aged 42, died in his sleep due to a heart condition that led to fluid buildup in his lungs.