South African rugby player Hyron Andrews has died at the age of 31 after being found unresponsive in a hotel in France, where his Johannesburg-based Lions team was preparing for a European Champions Cup fixture against La Rochelle.
The second-row forward was discovered in a shower cubicle at the team’s hotel on Île de Ré, near La Rochelle, on Friday, October 16, 2026. Emergency services were called to the scene shortly after 10 a.m.
Paramedics attempted to resuscitate Andrews, who was reportedly in cardiac arrest when emergency personnel arrived. Their efforts were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced dead at the hotel.
French authorities subsequently opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. South African rugby officials reported that he had suffered a fall, although the precise medical cause of death has not been established.
The Lions Rugby Company confirmed Andrews’ death and expressed condolences to his wife, two young sons and other family members. The club described his passing as a devastating loss to the team and the wider rugby community.
South African Rugby Union President Mark Alexander also expressed shock over the tragedy. He acknowledged Andrews’ contribution to the sport and extended the organisation’s sympathies to his family, teammates and friends.
Despite the tragedy, the Lions decided to proceed with their scheduled Champions Cup encounter against La Rochelle on Saturday, October 17. The decision followed discussions between both clubs and tournament organisers, with players determined to honour their late teammate.
Emotional scenes unfolded at Stade Marcel-Deflandre as La Rochelle supporters formed a guard of honour to welcome the grieving South African team. Several Lions players were visibly overcome with emotion during a minute’s silence before kick-off
Andrews’ number five jersey was placed on the pitch in his memory, while his photograph appeared on the stadium’s giant screen. Supporters applauded during the fifth minute of the match, acknowledging the jersey number worn by the late player.
La Rochelle’s South African players also presented a commemorative number five jersey to Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen. Both teams observed the occasion with respect, while the visiting players received sustained applause from the home supporters.
The Lions produced a determined performance despite the circumstances but eventually lost 31–14 to La Rochelle. Following the encounter, the French players formed another guard of honour as their opponents left the field.
Born in Paarl, South Africa, Andrews previously represented the Sharks in Durban and Sale Sharks in England. He also played for South Africa’s Under-20 national team in 2015 before establishing himself in professional rugby
During his time in England, Andrews made 45 appearances for Sale Sharks before returning to South Africa to join the Lions ahead of the 2026/27 season. His former clubs joined rugby organisations across Europe and South Africa in mourning his death.
The tragedy occurred exactly 10 years after former Munster rugby coach Anthony Foley died in a Paris hotel ahead of a European fixture in October 2016. Andrews’ death has renewed the rugby community’s shared grief over the sudden loss of players and coaches during international competitions.
French authorities are continuing their investigation, while tributes to Andrews have continued across the international rugby community.
