Tributes pour in following Hyron Andrews’ death

Tributes continue to pour in following the death of Lions lock forward, Hyron Andrews, who died on the eve of the team’s Champions Cup clash against La Rochelle in France.

The 31-year-old lock was found unresponsive in the shower at the team’s hotel, Hôtel Atalante – Relais Thalasso, on the Île de Ré in France on Friday morning.

The Lions said that “in honour of Hyron”, they would fulfil their opening Champions Cup match at the Stade Marcel-Deflandre at 6.30pm on Saturday.

Andrews joined the Lions this season after several years at the Sale Sharks and Sharks in Durban. He featured in all three of the Lions’ United Rugby Championship (URC) matches so far this season.

“This devastating news has sent shockwaves through the international rugby community,” the Lions said in a statement.

“[Andrews] 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

Lions CEO, Rudolf Straeuli, said: “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.”

Everyone at Sale Sharks is devastated to learn of the death of our former player Hyron Andrews.

Hyron was a much-loved member of the squad during his time with us and everyone at the club is united in sending their love, thoughts and heartfelt condolences to his wife Maighlin, their beautiful boys and the rest of his family and friends and everyone at Lions Rugby.

— Sale Sharks 🦈 (@SaleSharksRugby) October 16, 2026

Our thoughts are with Hyron Andrews’ family, friends and everyone at the @LionsRugbyCo following his untimely passing. The rugby family mourns with you. 🤍 #inittogether https://t.co/S7pJ7737r1

— DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) October 16, 2026

The Sharks Rugby Club is deeply saddened by the passing of former player Hyron Andrews.

Hyron spent more than a decade as part of the Sharks family, making a valued contribution to the club throughout his career.

Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his wife Maighlin, his young sons, friends, current and former teammates and everyone at the Lions during this incredibly difficult time.

Rest in peace, Hyron 🖤

— Sharks Rugby Club (@SharksRugby) October 16, 2026

Everyone at Edinburgh Rugby is deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of 10bets Lions player Hyron Andrews. 🙏

Our heartfelt condolences go to Hyron’s wife, Maiglin, their young sons, and the entire Andrews family, as well as to his teammates, coaches and everyone at the Lions at this incredibly difficult time.

The thoughts of the whole Edinburgh Rugby family are with you all. 💙

— Edinburgh Rugby (@EdinburghRugby) October 16, 2026

Written by: Ntsako Mukhari