South African rugby player Hyron Andrews dies ahead of Lions game with La Rochelle

South African rugby player Hyron Andrews died in France on Friday on the eve of the men's European Champions Cup game between the Johannesburg-based Lions and La Rochelle.

Both SA Rugby, the governing body in South Africa, and the Lions confirmed the 31-year-old lock forward's identity.

The gendarmerie in the Charente-Maritime department previously said an unnamed player had died on the Île de Ré, where the Lions were staying in a hotel.

La Rochelle prosecutor Arnaud Laraize told The Associated Press the player was found in a shower cubicle, which was locked from the inside, on Friday morning. He had undergone a hammam session about an hour earlier.

Laraize said he had shown no signs of health problems in the preceding days, according to his entourage.

An investigation into the cause of death has been opened and an autopsy will be carried out. Laraize said that at this stage there is no sign of third-party involvement.

SA Rugby said Andrews died after a fall. The player also represented the KZN Sharks and Sale Sharks in England.

“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," said Rudolf Straeuli, the CEO.

La Rochelle and the Lions are scheduled to play their Champions Cup opening game on Saturday.

The Lions said they would play as planned “in honor of Hyron.” A moment of homage will be observed before kickoff, La Rochelle said.

Sale Sharks joined the tributes to Andrews, sending "heartfelt condolences to his wife, their beautiful boys and the rest of his family and friends and everyone at Lions Rugby.”

Andrews played 45 times for Sale.

“Hyron was just a brilliant guy and a brilliant teammate. He was so skilled on the field but, off it, he was always someone you would want to have a beer with," said Sharks Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson. “He was funny and charismatic in his own unique, dry way and the lads, to a man, loved playing with him and being around him."

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