The Rugby community has been shocked with the news that 10bet Lions lock Hyron Andrews has unexpectedly died at the age of 31 in La Rochelle, France, on Friday.
Andrews, who joined the Lions from Sale Sharks at the beginning of the current season, was due to play for the side on Saturday in their Investec Champions Cup opener against La Rochelle.
Andrews was found unresponsive in a shower in his hotel in the town, reports in the French media have said.
The Lions Rugby Company released a statement afterwards saying their were “deeply saddened by the news.”
“The Lions Rugby Company is deeply saddened by the passing of player Hyron Andrews while on tour with the 10bet Lions ahead of their Investec Champions Cup and Vodacom United Rugby Championship fixtures,” the statement read.
“This devastating news has sent shockwaves through the international rugby community. The former Sharks and Sale Sharks lock forward was a valued member of the Lions family, and his loss will be felt profoundly by his teammates, coaches, supporters and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
“Our deepest and most heartfelt condolences go to Hyron’s wife, Maiglin, their young sons, and the entire Andrews family. We hold them in our thoughts during this time of unimaginable grief and ask that their privacy be respected as they mourn.
LIONS SADDENED BY THE PASSING OF STAR LOCK With broken hearts, we mourn Hyron Andrews, a cherished member of our Lions family. Our thoughts are with Maiglin, Hendrix, Emerson and the entire Andrews family. Rest in peace, Hyron. ❤️ Full statement: https://t.co/V8WppYBnPk https://t.co/lrVV5xLBqk
— Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) October 16, 2026
Rudolf Straeuli, Chief Executive Officer, Lions Rugby Company paid tribute to Andrews.
“We are heartbroken by the passing of Hyron. 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, 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.”
The Lions Rugby Company will communicate further details regarding an appropriate tribute in due course.
A DEVASTATING LOSS
The Lions have said that despite the tragedy, they will fulfill their match obligation against La Rochelle.
“In honour of Hyron, the 10bet Lions will fulfill their opening match of the Investec Champions Cup against La Rochelle tomorrow evening (18:30) South African time. May Hyron rest in peace.”
SA Rugby on Friday sent its condolences to the family of the Lions lock
Andrews, who was born in Paarl and attended Hoërskool Garsfontein in Pretoria, also represented the Junior Springboks in 2015.
“This is terrible and distressing news; our hearts go out to Hyron’s family and the whole Lions rugby community,” said Mark Alexander, president of the South African Rugby Union.
“There are no words to adequately convey our shock and the depth of sympathy we feel for his wife Maighlin, and for his extended family, friends, teammates and loved ones during this time of immense sorrow.
“Hyron was a respected member of the rugby community whose contribution to the game and impact on those around him will be remembered with great fondness.
“His untimely passing is a devastating loss, and we share in the grief of all who knew and loved him.
“The thoughts and prayers of the entire South African rugby family are with Maighlin and all those mourning his loss. May they find strength, comfort and peace in the memories they shared with him and in the support of those around them.”
SA Rugby mourns the untimely passing of Lions and former Junior Bok and Sharks lock Hyron Andrews - more here: https://t.co/kbh7pTjLLp https://t.co/SlhZtSp3Ct
— Springboks (@Springboks) October 16, 2026
A MOMENT OF SILENCE
The EPCR - the governing body of the Champions’ Cup - said a moment’s silence would be held at all games this weekend for Andrews.
“It is with deep sadness that EPCR has learned of the tragic passing of 10bet Lions player Hyron Andrews while on tour ahead of their Investec Champions Cup and URC fixtures,” the statement read.
EPCR Chairman Dominic McKay said: “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.”
“The 10bet Lions squad and management are currently in France ahead of their Round 1 Investec Champions Cup match against Stade Rochelais, and the squad, as a group, have chosen to play tomorrow as planned in honour of their teammate.
“In memory of Hyron, a moment’s silence will be held ahead of every Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup match this weekend.”
Rest in peace Hyron Diego Andrews ❤️ @premsportstv @beinsports @florugby and EPCR TV https://t.co/PNKS18m7Ry
— EPCR Challenge Cup (@ChallengeCup_) October 16, 2026