Johannesburg – The Johannesburg-based Lions rugby team is mourning the death of lock forward Hyron Andrews, who was found unresponsive at the team’s hotel on France’s Île de Ré on Friday, 16 October 2026, a day before the side’s scheduled Investec Champions Cup clash against La Rochelle.
According to The Guardian, emergency services were called after Andrews was discovered unconscious in a shower. Reports from French media indicated that paramedics were unable to revive him.
The news sent shockwaves through the rugby community, with tributes pouring in as investigations into the circumstances surrounding his death continued.
The Lions confirmed Andrews’ death in a statement, expressing their sadness at losing the player while he was on tour with the team ahead of its Investec Champions Cup and Vodacom United Rugby Championship fixtures.
The club also paid tribute to the lock forward in a post on social media:
LIONS SADDENED BY THE PASSING OF STAR LOCK
With broken hearts, we mourn Hyron Andrews, a cherished member of our Lions family. Our thoughts are with Maiglin, Hendrix, Emerson and the entire Andrews family.
Rest in peace, Hyron. ❤️
Full statement: https://t.co/V8WppYBnPk https://t.co/lrVV5xLBqk
— Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) October 16, 2026
In its statement, the Lions Rugby Company described the news as devastating and paid tribute to Andrews, a former Sharks and Sale Sharks player.
“This devastating news has sent shockwaves through the international rugby community. The former Sharks and Sale Sharks lock forward was a valued member of the Lions family, and his loss will be felt profoundly by his teammates, coaches, supporters and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
“Our deepest and most heartfelt condolences go to Hyron’s wife, Maiglin, their young sons, and the entire Andrews family. We hold them in our thoughts during this time of unimaginable grief and ask that their privacy be respected as they mourn.”
TNT Sports also expressed its condolences in a social media post, writing:
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Hyron Andrews.
Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends and everyone affected. 💔
Rest in peace, Hyron. https://t.co/k3DNIe7vVM
— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) October 16, 2026
Daily Maverick reported that Andrews was in his thirties and that the cause of death had not been formally established.
French outlet INF La Rochelle reported that prosecutors had opened an investigation into the circumstances of his death and ordered an autopsy. Psychological support was also arranged for the team and hotel staff.
The Lions were scheduled to face two-time European champions La Rochelle on Saturday, 17 October, in their first appearance in the Champions Cup.
The status of the fixture had not been confirmed in the initial reports.
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Picture: X / @LionsRugbyCo
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
