South African Lions rugby player Hyron Andrews dies after fall at hotel in France

South African Lions rugby player Hyron Andrews dies after fall at hotel in France - Hyron Andrews when he competed for possession against an opposing player during a past rugby match. (Photo: South Africa Rugby)

The Lions were in France ahead of their match against La Rochelle on Saturday, October 17, in the Investec Champions Cup, a major European club rugby competition featuring leading teams from across Europe and South Africa.

South African rugby player Hyron Andrews, a lock forward for Johannesburg-based club the Lions, has died aged 31 following a fall while on duty with his team in France.

South African Rugby confirmed his death on Friday, noting Andrew passed away after falling at his team’s hotel in France, where they were preparing for a European Champions Cup match.

French authorities are investigating the circumstances of Andrews’ death to establish how the fall occurred, with the Associated Press reporting the deceased was found inside a shower cubicle which was locked from the inside.

The Lions were in France ahead of their match against La Rochelle on Saturday, October 17, in the Investec Champions Cup, a major European club rugby competition featuring leading teams from across Europe and South Africa.

The Lions will play the match in Andrews’ honour, with a minute’s silence planned before the 7:30 pm kick-off. Tournament organisers have also announced that a minute’s silence will be observed before all Champions Cup and Challenge Cup matches this weekend to pay tribute to the late South African lock

“This is terrible and distressing news; our hearts go out to Hyron’s family and the whole Lions rugby community,” South African Rugby Union president Mark Alexander said.

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He described Andrews as a respected member of the rugby community whose contribution to the sport and impact on those around him would be remembered with fondness.

“His untimely passing is a devastating loss, and we share in the grief of all who knew and loved him,” Alexander said.

Lions Rugby Company chief executive Rudolf Straeuli also paid tribute to Andrews, describing him as a gifted player who had joined the club this season.

“We are heartbroken by the passing of Hyron,” Straeuli said, extending the club’s condolences to Andrews’ wife, Maighlin, their two young sons, Hendrix and Emerson, and the wider family.

Born in Paarl, South Africa, Andrews attended Hoërskool Garsfontein in Pretoria and represented the Junior Springboks in 2015. His professional career included spells with the Sharks in South Africa and Sale Sharks in England before he joined the Lions in 2026. He played as a lock, a position in which players are central to line-outs and provide power in scrums.