The 31-year-old player was found already lifeless in a shower cabin in a hotel on the Île de Ré, an island off the west coast of France. Lions and South African Federation have already reacted to the death of Hyron Andrews.
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17/10/2026
by
News to Minutes
O rugby's in mourning. Hyron Andrews, South African Lions player, was found dead on Friday, on the eve of the La Rochelle game, counting to the Champions Cup.
According to the French press, the 31-year-old player was found already lifeless in a shower room in a hotel on Île de Ré, an island off the west coast of France, connected to the continent by a bridge near La Rochelle, where the team had been interning since Tuesday.
Emergency services were activated around 10:00 a.m., and Andrews was still watching. The South African player was in cardiorespiratory arrest and attempts at resuscitation, operated by doctors, would eventually fail.
Meanwhile, Lions has issued a statement, showing himself “deeply dismayed” by the death of Hyron Andrews
“ This devastating news has caused a shock in the international rugby community. The second line, which previously represented the Sharks and the Sale Sharks, was an esteemed member of the Lions' family, and their loss will be deeply felt by teammates, coaches, fans and all those who had the privilege of knowing it”, can be read in the note of grief.
“ Our most heartfelt condolences to Hyron's wife, Maiglin, the couple's two small children and the whole Andrews family. We are thinking of them in this moment of unimaginable pain and ask that their privacy be respected during the mourning period ", conclude the Lions.
In turn, Rudolf Straeuli, executive director of the South African team, said he was “heart broken” with Hyron’s death, highlighting the player’s human qualities.
“He was not only a talented rugby player, but also a very dear member of the Lions family, whom he recently joined at the beginning of this season. On behalf of our President, Altmann Allers, the administration and all the Lions, I extend our deepest condolences to Maiglin, his sons, Hendrix and Emerson, and the whole Andrews family. We are at their side in this moment of suffering and will remember Hyron with great affection and respect ", said the leader of the Lions.
LIONS SADDENED BY THE PASSING OF STAR LOCK With broken hearts, we mother 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.
— Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) October 16, 2026
In turn, the South African rugby Federation has also lamented the “harrowing news” and expressed full support for Hyron’s family.
There are no words that can adequately convey our shock and profound solidarity with his wife, Maighlin, and the whole family, friends, teammates and loved ones, in this moment of enormous suffering. Hyron was a respected member of the rugby community, whose contribution to the modality and influence in those around him will be recalled with great affection,” said Mark Alexander, president of the South African Federation.
“His premature death is a devastating loss, and we share the pain of all who have known and loved him. The thoughts and prayers of the entire South African rugby family are with all those who mourn their loss. May they find strength, comfort and peace in the memories they shared with him and in the support of those around them”, concluded the maximum leader of SA Rugby.
SA Rugby mothers the untimely passing of Lions and forming Junior Bok and Sharks lock Hyron Andrews – more here: https://t.co/kbh7pTjLLp https://t.co/SlhZtSp3Ct
— Springboks (@Springboks) October 16, 2026