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South African rugby player Hyron Andrews has died in France at the age of 31, with the Johannesburg-based Lions confirming his passing on Friday, 16 October, ahead of their scheduled Investec Champions Cup clash against La Rochelle.

The lock forward was found unresponsive in a shower at the team’s hotel on the Île de Ré on Friday morning, according to French broadcaster ICI La Rochelle.

Emergency services were called to the Hôtel Atalante, Relais Thalasso in Sainte-Marie-de-Ré shortly after 10:20. Andrews was reportedly in cardiac arrest when paramedics arrived, but attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.

The Lions subsequently confirmed in an official statement this afternoon, paying tribute to the player who had recently joined the squad.

In the statement, the Lions Rugby Company said Andrews had been on tour with the 10bet Lions ahead of their Investec Champions Cup and Vodacom United Rugby Championship fixtures.

The former Sharks and Sale Sharks lock had joined the Johannesburg side during the latest off-season.

Lions chief executive officer Rudolf Straeuli expressed the club’s condolences to Andrews’ wife, Maiglin, their two young sons, Hendrix and Emerson, and the wider Andrews family.

‘We are heartbroken by the passing of Hyron. 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.

The club added that further details regarding an appropriate tribute would be communicated in due course.

French authorities have opened an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding Andrews’ death.

According to ICI La Rochelle, La Rochelle public prosecutor Arnaud Laraize confirmed that an investigation into the cause of death was under way. The accidental death hypothesis is currently being favoured, although the circumstances remain under investigation.

No definitive cause of death has been publicly established.

Psychological support has also been arranged at the hotel for staff and members of the South African team following the incident.

Despite the loss, the Lions have confirmed that they will fulfil their opening Investec Champions Cup fixture against La Rochelle on Saturday, 17 October.

The club said the match would be played in honour of Andrews, with kick-off scheduled for 18:30 South African time at Stade Marcel-Deflandre in France.

The fixture marks the Johannesburg side’s first campaign in the Champions Cup, which brings together leading club teams from Europe and South Africa.

The club has asked for privacy to be respected as his family, teammates and colleagues mourn his passing.

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