South African rugby player Hyron Andrews paid emotional tribute in France

What the report says

South African rugby lock Hyron Andrews was honoured with an emotional minute’s silence in France before a Champions Cup match between La Rochelle and the Johannesburg-based Lions, following his death on Friday during the team’s tour. According to Al Jazeera’s report based on Associated Press material, Andrews was 31 and had travelled with the Lions for the European competition. The tribute took place at Stade Marcel-Deflandre in La Rochelle, where players bowed their heads, some wept, and his former number five shirt was displayed on the field.

SA Rugby and the Lions confirmed Andrews’ death, while French authorities opened an investigation into the cause. The AP reported that La Rochelle prosecutor Arnaud Laraize said Andrews was found in a shower cubicle at the team hotel, and an autopsy was due. SA Rugby said he died after a fall. The match was allowed to go ahead after discussions between the two teams, and La Rochelle won 31-14.

The article also noted that La Rochelle players wore black armbands and that the crowd responded with applause after the silence. A shirt from the French club was handed to Lions staff, and some La Rochelle players visited the Lions hotel the previous day to offer support.

Andrews had also played for the KZN Sharks and Sale Sharks in England. Tributes from SA Rugby and Sale Sharks described him as a valued teammate and family man, underscoring the impact of his death on South African and international rugby.