Hyron Andrews, the former Sale Sharks lock, has died at the age of 31 in what is believed to have been a heart attack, sending shockwaves through the rugby community.
French media reported on Friday morning that a Lions player had been found unresponsive in a shower at the Atalante-Relais Thalasso Hotel near La Rochelle, where the South African team are scheduled to face the French side in the European Champions Cup on Saturday.
The Lions confirmed Andrews’ death several hours later. Emergency responders attended the hotel but were unable to revive him, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Andrews had returned to South Africa this summer to join the Lions after leaving English club Sale Sharks, where he made 45 appearances. Nineteen of those outings came during the previous season.
“The Lions Rugby Company is deeply saddened by the passing of player Hyron Andrews while on tour with the 10bet Lions ahead of their Investec Champions Cup and Vodacom United Rugby Championship fixtures,” the Lions said in a statement.
“This devastating news has sent shockwaves through the international rugby community. The former Sharks and Sale Sharks lock was a valued member of the Lions family, and his loss will be felt profoundly by his team-mates, coaches, supporters and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”
Lions lock Hyron Andrews, 31, has died from an apparent heart attack in La Rochelle, one day before the team’s scheduled European Champions Cup meeting
Hyron Andrews is pictured with his wife, Maiglin, and one of their sons
“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.”
The Lions said their fixture against La Rochelle would proceed as scheduled, with the players determined to honour Andrews’ memory on the field.
French reports said psychological support had been arranged for Lions players and staff, as well as employees at the hotel.
Lions chief executive Rudolf Straeuli said: “We are heartbroken by the passing of Hyron. He was not only a gifted rugby player, but also a cherished member of our Lions family, having joined us earlier this season.”
“On behalf of our chairman, Mr Altmann Allers, the board and everyone at the Lions, I extend our deepest sympathies to Maiglin, their young sons Hendrix and Emerson and the entire Andrews family. We stand with them in their sorrow and will remember Hyron with great affection and respect.”
The Lions added: ‘The Lions Rugby Company will communicate further details regarding an appropriate tribute in due course. In honour of Hyron, the 10bet Lions will fulfil their opening match of the Investec Champions Cup against La Rochelle tomorrow evening South African time. May Hyron rest in peace.’
Andrews’ former employers Sale said: ‘Everyone at Sale Sharks is devastated to learn of the death of our former player Hyron Andrews. Hyron was a much-loved member of the squad during his time with us and everyone at the club is united in sending their love, thoughts and heartfelt condolences to his wife Maighlin, their beautiful boys and the rest of his family and friends and everyone at Lions Rugby.’
PREM Rugby also said in a statement: ‘Everyone at PREM Rugby and our clubs is deeply saddened by the passing of Hyron Andrews and we extend our heartfelt sympathies to his family and friends.
‘Our thoughts are also with Hyron’s team-mates past and present, everyone at the Lions and Sale Sharks, and the wider South African rugby community at this very difficult time.’
‘This is terrible and distressing news. Our hearts go out to Hyron’s family and the whole Lions rugby community,’ said Mark Alexander, president of the South African Rugby Union.
‘There are no words to adequately convey our shock and the depth of sympathy we feel for his wife Maighlin and for his extended family, friends, team-mates and loved ones during this time of immense sorrow.
‘Hyron was a respected member of the rugby community whose contribution to the game and impact on those around him will be remembered with great fondness.
‘His untimely passing is a devastating loss and we share in the grief of all who knew and loved him.
‘The thoughts and prayers of the entire South African rugby family are with Maighlin and all those mourning his loss. May they find strength, comfort and peace in the memories they shared with him and in the support of those around them.’
South African star Andrews played for Sale in England before leaving at the end of last season
In a bizarre coincidence, Andrews’ tragic passing occurred on the 10-year anniversary of the death of Munster legend Anthony Foley.
A former Munster coach and captain, Foley died in his sleep on October 16, 2016, at the age of 42 in Paris on the eve of a European tie against Racing 92 after a heart condition caused fluid to build up in his lungs.
Ronan O’Gara, the current La Rochelle head coach, was an ex-Munster team-mate of Foley’s. Reports have suggested O’Gara headed to the team hotel of the Lions to offer the team’s grieving players and support staff emotional support.
European Rugby organisers said: ‘It is with deep sadness that EPCR has learned of the tragic passing of 10bet Lions player Hyron Andrews while on tour ahead of their Investec Champions Cup and URC fixtures.’
The organisation’s chairman, Dominic McKay, said: ‘The thoughts of everyone at EPCR and the wider international rugby community are with Hyron’s wife Maiglin, his young sons, wider family, friends, team-mates, the 10bet Lions and all those who knew and loved him at this incredibly difficult time.’
In memory of Andrews, a moment’s silence will be held ahead of every Champions Cup and Challenge Cup match this weekend.
Andrews’ former club boss, Sale director of rugby Alex Sanderson, said: ‘Hyron was just a brilliant guy and team-mate. He was so skilled on the field but off it, he was always someone you would want to have a beer with.
‘He was funny and charismatic in his own unique, dry way and the lads, to a man, loved playing with him and being around him.
‘It was a big move for Hyron and his wife Maighlin to come to England but he truly made a second home in Manchester and it was incredible to see how he and his family embraced the club and area.
‘Most importantly, he was a loving husband to Maighlin and a doting father to his two gorgeous boys. It was an absolute privilege to get to know him and it’s just absolutely devastating for everyone.’
