The tragic circumstances surrounding the death of former Sale Sharks lock Hyron Andrews have been revealed in an autopsy report.

The 31-year-old, who played for the South African Lions, was found unresponsive in a locked shower at the Atalante-Relais Thalasso Hotel on Friday, before his club’s Champions Cup game with La Rochelle.

Emergency services arrived but were unable to save him and he was pronounced dead at the scene. 

His body remains in France, where the autopsy revealed a tear in his aorta - a torn main artery.

Andrews only returned to his native South Africa to join the Lions this summer after departing English club side Sale for whom he made 45 appearances. Of those, 19 came last season.

A Lions Rugby statement read: ‘Lions Rugby Company, on behalf of the Andrews family, confirms that, following an autopsy report, Hyron’s death was found to be caused by an aortic dissection. This dissection most likely occurred on an aortic aneurysm.

‘The French authorities, who conducted the autopsy and, in whose care Hyron’s body currently remains, described the cause of death as “a tear in the aorta (due to natural causes), which led to a significant accumulation of blood within the sac surrounding the heart.”

‘The Andrews family asks for respect, privacy and patience during this difficult time as the repatriation process begins.

‘A timeline for the return of Hyron’s body to South Africa has not yet been determined. Further information will be communicated when it becomes available and under the guidance of the family.’

Lions continued to play their Champions Cup game with La Rochelle the day after Andrews' death, losing 31-14.

Andrews' former club boss, Sale director of rugby Alex Sanderson, was among those who paid tribute: '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 Maiglin 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 and a doting father to his two gorgeous boys. It was an absolute privilege to get to know him. It’s just absolutely devastating for everyone.'

Andrews was a former South Africa Under-20 international.

Mark Alexander, president of the South African Rugby Union, said shortly after Andrews' death: 'This is terrible and distressing news. Our hearts go out to Hyron's family and the whole Lions rugby community.

'There are no words to adequately convey our shock and the depth of sympathy we feel for his wife Maiglin 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 Maiglin 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.'