Lions to honour Hyron Andrews against La Rochelle after lock dies aged 31

Johannesburg Lions lock Hyron Andrews has died aged 31 at the team's hotel before Saturday's Champions Cup match against La Rochelle, BBC Sport reported. SA Rugby said his death followed a fall and described it as an accident. The Lions have decided to fulfil the fixture in his honour.

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A moment of silence will be held at every fixture in the competition's opening round, according to the BBC. The match against La Rochelle is scheduled to begin at 17:30 BST. It will be the Lions' first appearance in Europe's leading club tournament, which began including South African teams in the 2022-23 season.

Lions chief executive Rudolf Straeuli paid tribute to Andrews, who had joined the club this season after returning to South Africa. Straeuli expressed the organisation's sympathy for Andrews' wife Maighlin, their sons Hendrix and Emerson, and the wider family. He remembered Andrews both for his ability as a player and for his place within the Lions squad.

Andrews had previously spent more than two years at Sale Sharks. He arrived from the Durban-based Sharks in February 2024 as cover for injured England lock Jonny Hill and went on to make 45 appearances for the English club. He left Sale in the summer to return to his home country.

Sale director of rugby Alex Sanderson recalled a skilled player whose humour and character made him popular with team-mates. In comments reported by BBC Sport, Sanderson also described how Andrews and his family had settled into life in Manchester after moving to England. His tribute emphasised Andrews' devotion to his wife and their two children.

South African Rugby Union president Mark Alexander offered condolences to the family, Andrews' friends and the Lions community. Andrews had represented the Junior Springboks in 2015, although he had not played senior international rugby. His career subsequently took him through clubs in South Africa and England before his recent move to Johannesburg.

The Lions, based at Ellis Park, have won two of their opening three United Rugby Championship matches this season, including a victory over defending champions Leinster in their first game. Their European debut will now also serve as a tribute to a team-mate, alongside the silences planned for the opening round.