Team to play La Rochelle in Champions Cup opener as tribute to fallen teammate

Hyron Andrews has died while on tour with the 10bet Lions ahead of their Investec Champions Cup and United Rugby Championship fixtures.

The Lions Rugby Company announced his death on Friday, saying the news had sent shockwaves through the international rugby community.

Andrews, a former Sharks and Sale Sharks lock, recently joined the Lions and was part of their squad this season.

Lions CEO Rudolf Straeuli said the club was heartbroken by the loss of the player, who was also a husband and father to two young boys.

“He was not only a gifted rugby player, but also a cherished member of our Lions family, having recently joined us this season,” Straeuli said.

He extended the club’s condolences to Andrews’s wife, Maiglin, their sons, Hendrix and Emerson, and the wider Andrews family.

The club said it would respect the family’s privacy as they mourned his death.

Despite the loss, the Lions will play their opening Investec Champions Cup match against French side La Rochelle on Saturday at 6.30pm South African time, in honour of Andrews.

The club said further details about an appropriate tribute would be communicated in due course.