Lions honour Hyron Andrews in La Rochelle as European rugby pays tribute

The Lions honoured Hyron Andrews before their Champions Cup match at La Rochelle on Saturday, taking the field a day after the South African lock died aged 31. According to BBC Sport, the team chose to fulfil the fixture in his memory and lost 31-14, with tributes also taking place at other European matches over the weekend.

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Andrews died at the Lions' team hotel in France on Friday. Before kick-off, head coach Ivan van Rooyen explained that the decision to play was about celebrating Andrews' life and showing respect to his wife and children, rather than the result. He said messages had arrived from around the world and described Andrews' importance both as a player and as a father and husband.

La Rochelle supporters applauded as the Lions entered the pitch and again after the pre-match silence. Both teams wore black armbands, and several players were in tears during the tribute. Andrews' number five shirt was placed on the grass in front of his teammates. Three South Africans in the La Rochelle squad, Dillyn Leyds, David Kriel and Salmaan Moerat, then gave the visitors a commemorative jersey.

The remembrance extended across the weekend's Champions Cup and Challenge Cup fixtures, including Sale's home game against Glasgow Warriors. Andrews had spent a little more than two years with Sale before leaving at the end of last season to return to South Africa. His former club lost 47-27 to Glasgow on a day when players were also dealing with the news of his death.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live afterwards, Sale director of rugby Alex Sanderson praised the way his squad had supported one another. He recalled how Andrews had taken his opportunities at the club, developed his career and made Manchester another home with his family. Sanderson emphasised the friendships he had formed and the contribution he made away from the field.

Sanderson also said players close to Andrews had already spoken with his two young sons that morning. He pledged that the club would help the family through their loss, as Sale's response continued beyond the tribute before the match.