Lions lock Hyron Andrews found dead in France ahead of Champions Cup match with La Rochelle

Andrews found dead at hotel on eve of Champions Cup opener

South African rugby player Hyron Andrews, a 31-year-old lock for Johannesburg-based the Lions, was found dead at a hotel in France on Friday, the day before the South African club were due to face La Rochelle in a Champions Cup fixture. Local authorities told AFP that the player was found in cardiac arrest inside a shower cubicle that was locked from the inside. The public prosecutor in La Rochelle confirmed that an investigation had been opened to determine the cause of death and said an accidental death was currently the leading line of inquiry. An autopsy is due to be carried out.

Club confirms death and plans to play the match

The Lions confirmed the death of Andrews while on tour in France. Chief executive Rudolf Straeuli said the franchise was "heartbroken by the passing of Hyron," describing him as "not only a gifted rugby player, but also a cherished member of our Lions family having recently joined us this season." The club said it would fulfill Saturday's fixture against La Rochelle "in honour of Hyron." Andrews had previously played for the Sharks and Sale Sharks and had joined the Lions this season. The Lions extended condolences to his wife Maiglin and their young sons Hendrix and Emerson.

Anniversary of Anthony Foley's death in the same competition

The death occurred on the tenth anniversary of the sudden death of former Munster coach Anthony Foley, who died in 2016 in Paris ahead of a Champions Cup match against Racing 92 at age 42 from a heart rhythm disorder. Reporting from AFP noted the date coincidence; the two events are otherwise unrelated in the evidence ledger.

Other developments

France head coach Laurent Frayssinous said the gap between the NRL and Super League was a factor in France's 78-4 Rugby League World Cup defeat by Samoa, according to BBC reporting on Friday.