File: Hyron Andrews during the Cell C Sharks training session at Hollywoodbets Kings Park. Photo by Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
JOHANNESBURG - SA Rugby has announced the death of Lions lock forward Hyron Andrews.
Andrews died following an accident while on duty with his team in France.
The 31-year-old died after falling at the team’s hotel in La Rochelle, where they are scheduled to play a match in the European Champions Cup on Saturday.
“This is terrible and distressing news; our hearts go out to Hyron’s family and the whole Lions rugby community,” said Mark Alexander, president of the South African Rugby Union.
“There are no words to adequately convey our shock and the depth of sympathy we feel for his wife Maighlin, and for his extended family, friends, teammates and loved ones during this time of immense sorrow.
“Hyron was a respected member of the rugby community whose contribution to the game and impact on those around him will be remembered with great fondness.
“His untimely passing is a devastating loss, and we share in the grief of all who knew and loved him.
“The thoughts and prayers of the entire South African rugby family are with Maighlin and all those mourning his loss. May they find strength, comfort and peace in the memories they shared with him and in the support of those around them.”
Andrews, who was born in Paarl and attended Hoërskool Garsfontein in Pretoria, also represented the Junior Springboks in 2015.