Hyron Andrews: Tributes Pour In for Late South African Lock
Rugby clubs Lions and Sale Sharks honor the 31-year-old following his sudden death.
Lions and Sale Sharks were among the rugby clubs that paid tribute to Hyron Andrews during matches on Saturday, following the South African lock's death at the age of 31. Andrews died in the Lions' team hotel on Friday, the day before their scheduled Champions Cup pool game against La Rochelle in France.
The Lions team opted to fulfill the fixture in honor of Andrews, ultimately losing 31-14. Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen stated that playing the match was a way to "celebrate life" and show respect to Andrews, his wife, and children. He noted the outpouring of support from around the world and emphasized that the game was not about the result but about showing respect for Andrews, whom he described as an "unbelievable guy, an unbelievable player, a world-class dad and a world-class husband."
La Rochelle supporters offered prolonged applause as the Lions players entered the field, and a minute of silence was observed before the match kicked off. Both teams wore black armbands, and some players were visibly emotional. Andrews' number five jersey was placed on the turf before the game, and three La Rochelle players of South African origin presented a commemorative jersey to the Lions.
Tributes were also held before other Champions Cup and Challenge Cup fixtures over the weekend, including at Andrews' former club, Sale. Andrews played for the English club for just over two seasons before returning to South Africa at the end of the last season. Sale's director of rugby, Alex Sanderson, commented on the team's response to the news, noting how the players had come together and supported each other through the trauma. He highlighted Andrews' journey with Sale, where he arrived "under-rated" and earned opportunities, making Manchester his second home and settling with his family. Sanderson added that Andrews' impact off the field was significant and that his death remains difficult to process, with teammates already reaching out to support Andrews' two young sons and his family.
