Former Sale Sharks lock Andrews dies at team hotel in La Rochelle

Hyron Andrews dies at his Johannesburg Lions' team hotel before their Champions Cup match at La Rochelle on Saturday. Andrews joined Sale in February 2024 and made 45 appearances for the club before heading back to his native South Africa at the end of last season Former Sale second row Hyron Andrews has died at his Johannesburg Lions' team hotel before their Champions Cup match at La Rochelle on Saturday. A statement from SA Rugby stated that his death had been an "accident" and that the 31-year-old had "died after a fall". "We are heartbroken by the passing of Hyron," said Lions chief executive Rudolf Straeuli. "He was not only a gifted rugby player, but also a cherished member of our Lions family having recently joined us this season.

"On behalf of our chairman, Mr Altmann Allers, the board and everyone at the Lions, I extend our deepest sympathies to [Andrews' wife] Maighlin, their young sons Hendrix and Emerson and the entire Andrews family. "We stand with them in their sorrow and will remember Hyron with great affection and respect." The Lions will fulfil their fixture against La Rochelle, which kicks off at 17:30 BST, in Andrews' honour, while a moment's silence will be observed at all the opening round's fixtures. "This is terrible and distressing news; our hearts go