Lions to honour Hyron Andrews as La Rochelle match goes ahead after his death

Lions lock Hyron Andrews has died aged 31 while in France with his team ahead of their Champions Cup match against La Rochelle. BBC Sport reported that SA Rugby described his death at the team hotel as an accident following a fall. Andrews had joined the Johannesburg side this season.

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In an official statement, Stade Rochelais confirmed that Andrews died on Friday morning, October 16, in Sainte-Marie-de-Ré. The French club offered condolences to his family and loved ones, as well as to his teammates, the Lions staff and the wider club community. It also expressed its support for the visiting side as they dealt with his death.

Saturday's fixture will go ahead at the Lions' request. Stade Rochelais said the South African team's players and staff wanted to honour their teammate by playing, while also showing respect for their opponents and the home supporters. The decision was agreed with the Lions and tournament organiser EPCR, leaving the match scheduled for October 17 at Stade Marcel Deflandre.

The hosts announced that a minute of tribute would take place before kick-off and asked supporters to observe it respectfully. BBC Sport also reported that a minute's silence would be held across the opening round's fixtures. The tributes will therefore extend beyond the match involving Andrews' own team to other grounds staging the start of the European campaign.

Lions chief executive Rudolf Straeuli paid tribute to Andrews as both a talented player and a much-loved colleague, according to BBC Sport. He offered the club's sympathy to Andrews' wife, Maighlin, their two young sons and the wider family. SA Rugby president Mark Alexander also expressed shock and condolences on behalf of the rugby community.

Andrews returned to South Africa in the summer after making 45 appearances for Sale Sharks, whom he joined in February 2024. He represented the Junior Springboks in 2015 but had not played senior international rugby, BBC Sport reported. His death comes as the Lions prepare for their first appearance in Europe's premier club competition.