South African rugby player Hyron Andrews died on the eve of his team’s match in France. The 31-year-old lock was staying at the Atalante-Relais Thalasso hotel on the Île de Ré.
Emergency services responded after the alarm was raised, but responders were unable to revive the athlete.
The South African Rugby Union confirmed the death on Friday. A statement from the governing body explained that the player had passed away following an accidental fall.
Mark Alexander, president of SA Rugby, expressed deep sorrow over the incident. He said the news was terrible and distressing for everyone involved.
“There are no words to adequately convey our shock and the depth of sympathy we feel for his wife Maighlin, and for his extended family, friends, teammates and loved ones during this time of immense sorrow,” Alexander said in the statement.
The Johannesburg Lions squad had travelled to Europe to prepare for their debut in the top-tier Champions Cup tournament. They were scheduled to face La Rochelle at the Stade Marcel Deflandre.
Tournament organisers, European Professional Club Rugby, announced that a moment of silence would be observed before every Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup match over the weekend. The Lions squad decided to fulfil the fixture in honour of their late teammate.
Andrews was born in Paarl and attended Hoërskool Garsfontein in Pretoria. During his career, he represented the Junior Springboks in 2015 and played for the KZN Sharks and Sale Sharks before joining the Lions.
The Lions shared an emotional tribute on social media, stating that they mourn the passing of a valued member of their family with broken hearts.
“Rest in peace, Hyron. You will always be part of our family,” the team posted on Instagram, offering condolences to his family.
