Lions lock Hyron Andrews has handed away on the group lodge on Friday, the day earlier than the South African membership are as a result of play French facet La Rochelle in the European Champions Cup, a fixture that may go forward in his honour.
“His loss will be felt profoundly by his teammates, coaches, supporters and all who had the privilege of knowing him,” the Lions mentioned in an announcement on Friday.
“Our deepest and most heartfelt condolences go to Hyron’s wife, Maiglin, their young sons, and the entire Andrews family.
“We maintain them in our ideas throughout this time of unimaginable grief and ask that their privateness be revered as they mourn.”
French media reports said Andrews, 31, was found unconscious in a shower cubicle at a hotel on the Ile de Re in France, where the team had been staying since Tuesday.
Emergency services were called shortly after 10 a.m. and attended to the player, who was in cardiorespiratory arrest. Attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful, the reports added.
The Lions have offered no details around the circumstances of Andrews’ passing, but confirmed Saturday’s game will go ahead.
“In honour of Hyron, the Lions will fulfill their opening match of the Champions Cup in opposition to La Rochelle,” the team statement continued.
Andrews had a spell with the Sale Sharks in England and played for the South African under-20 side, but was not a capped senior international.
His death comes 10 years to the day after Munster coach Anthony Foley passed away at the age of 42 in his Paris hotel ahead of a Heineken Cup match against compatriot Ronan O’Gara’s Racing 92.
O’Gara is now the coach of La Rochelle and according to Irish media visited the Lions at their hotel to offer his condolences.
