South African rugby is in mourning after Johannesburg Lions lock Hyron Andrews died at the team hotel on the eve of their Champions Cup clash with La Rochelle.
South African rugby is grieving the loss of Johannesburg Lions lock Hyron Andrews, who has died at the age of 31 on the eve of the Lions' Champions Cup clash with La Rochelle. Tributes are pouring in for a towering presence who earned respect on both sides of the equator.
Andrews died at the Atalante-Relais Thalasso hotel on the Île de Ré, where the squad was staying ahead of the fixture. Emergency services were called after the alarm was raised, but they could not revive him. SA Rugby said the lock "passed away tragically" following an accident in which he fell.
A proud product of South African rugby, Andrews built a career that took him through the KZN Sharks and on to Sale Sharks in England before he joined the Lions. Known for his work rate in the engine room, he was a respected teammate and a familiar face to supporters across the game.
The Lions squad has decided to play on Saturday in honour of their fallen teammate. It will be an emotional afternoon for everyone involved, with the match now a tribute to a player and friend whose loss has shaken the rugby community at home and abroad.
Afroballers sends its deepest condolences to Andrews' family, friends, teammates and everyone at the Lions.
