Former Sale lock Hyron Andrews dies before Lions’ Champions Cup match

Former Sale Sharks lock Hyron Andrews has died at the Johannesburg Lions’ team hotel in La Rochelle, where the South African side are due to play a Champions Cup match on Saturday. South African Rugby said the 31-year-old died after a fall, describing his death as an accident. [1]

The Lions said they would play the fixture against La Rochelle in Andrews’ honour. A minute’s silence is to be observed at all matches in the opening round, according to the BBC. [1]

Andrews joined Sale in February 2024 and made 45 appearances before returning to South Africa at the end of last season. He had recently joined the Lions. He represented the Junior Springboks in 2015 but had not won a senior international cap. [1]

Lions chief executive Rudolf Straeuli said the club was heartbroken and sent condolences to Andrews’ wife, Maighlin, their sons and the wider family. South African Rugby Union president Mark Alexander also expressed sympathy for his family, team-mates and the Lions community. [1]