Lions 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

A statement from SA Rugby stated that his death had been an "accident" and that the 31-year-old had "died after a fall".

The public prosecutor in La Rochelle is investigating, with local reports claiming Andrews suffered a heart attack while in the shower.

"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.

Source: BBC Sport Africa