Lions lock Hyron Andrews dies in France before Champions Cup match

Hyron Andrews, a 31-year-old lock for South Africa’s Lions, died at the team’s hotel on Île de Ré, France, on Friday, 16 October 2026, a day before its Champions Cup match against La Rochelle. French authorities have opened an investigation into the cause of death, while the Lions say they will play Saturday’s fixture in his honour.

Investigation into Hyron Andrews’ death

Local authorities told AFP that Andrews was found dead at the hotel. The public prosecutor in La Rochelle confirmed an investigation and said accidental death was the leading line of inquiry at that stage. An autopsy was due to be carried out, according to a source close to the investigation cited by AFP; no finding on the cause of death had been announced.

Lions to face La Rochelle in Andrews’ honour

The Lions said they would fulfil their opening Champions Cup match against La Rochelle on Saturday, 17 October, in Andrews’ honour. The match had yet to take place when the club made that announcement. European Professional Club Rugby, which runs the competition, said a moment of silence would be held before every Champions Cup and Challenge Cup match that weekend, according to The Guardian.

In a tribute reported by The Guardian, the Lions called Andrews ‘a valued member of our Lions family’ and offered condolences to his wife, Maiglin, their children and the wider family. The club asked that the family’s privacy be respected as they mourn, according to Reuters’ report published by Channel NewsAsia.

Andrews had previously played for the Sharks and Sale Sharks, and represented South Africa at under-20 level. He was born in Paarl and attended Hoërskool Garsfontein in Pretoria, The Guardian reported. His death came as the Johannesburg-based Lions prepared to begin their European campaign away to La Rochelle.