The Lions have released a statement explaining the reasons behind the sudden and tragic death of lock forward Hyron Andrews on the eve of his side’s Champions Cup tie against La Rochelle.

It was reported that the 6’8 second-row was found unresponsive at the Lions team hotel on Île de Ré, where the South African side had been staying ahead of Saturday’s fixture.

The match went ahead with his teammates’ permission, as they wanted to honour the popular 31-year-old. La Rochelle beat the Johannesburg side 31-14.

The Lions Rugby Company statement reads: “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.”