South African Lions Player Dies of Apparent Heart Attack in France

A player for the South African domestic rugby team, the Lions, has died in La Rochelle, France, from an apparent heart attack. The player was found unresponsive in a hotel shower stall on Friday morning, the day before his team was scheduled to compete against La Rochelle in the European Champions Cup.

Emergency services were dispatched to the scene but were unable to revive the player, who was pronounced dead at the location. French media reports indicate the player was in his 30s, though he has not yet been officially named. A psychological support unit has been established for the Lions players and staff, as well as hotel employees.

No official statement has been released by the Lions or the Champions Cup organizers as of Friday. It is widely expected that the match between La Rochelle and the Lions will be postponed or canceled.