Hyron Andrews, a rugby player for the Johannesburg-based Lions, has passed away at the age of 31.
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According to information provided by multiple outlets, Andrews died on the eve of his team's match against La Rochelle. He was found unresponsive in the shower at the team hotel, Hotel Atalante.
The BBC reports that an autopsy shows that Andrews died of natural causes. He suffered a tear in the aorta, which led to blood filling the muscle sac around the heart.
The Lions took part in the match after Andrews' passing. All of the players in attendance held a moment of silence for him, and the fans greeted them with prolonged applause before the match started.
Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen spoke before the match and said that the day was not about rugby. The team chose to celebrate Andrews, his family, and life by playing.
The thoughts of everyone at EPCR and the wider international rugby community are with Hyron's wife Maiglin, his young sons, wider family, friends, teammates, the 10bet Lions and all those who knew and loved him at this incredibly difficult time," said EPCR Chairman Dominic McKay in a statement.
The 31-year-old appeared in three United Rugby Championship matches for the Lions before his sudden passing. He completed 15 tackles and played 100 minutes. Andrews previously spent 2015-2024 with the Sale Sharks.
"We are heartbroken by the passing of Hyron," said Lions CEO Rudolf Straeuli in a statement. "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 Maiglin, 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."
