Hyron Andrews dies at Lions team hotel before Champions Cup match

Summary

Hyron Andrews, a 31-year-old South African rugby player with the Lions, died at the team’s hotel in France on Friday, the day before the club’s Champions Cup match against La Rochelle. The Guardian reports that SA Rugby said Andrews died after falling in an accident and could not be revived by emergency services; France 24 says the match would go ahead in his honour. ABC’s report said the player’s identity was not yet known as team officials worked to notify his family in South Africa.

Timeline

1. The Guardian

   16 Oct 2026, 12:35 UTCSource ↗

   The Guardian reports that SA Rugby said Andrews died after falling in an accident at the team hotel, and that the squad would play the match in his honour.

2. France 24

   16 Oct 2026, 13:40 UTCSource ↗

   France 24 reports that Andrews was found dead at a hotel in France on Friday and that the Lions said the match would go ahead in his honour.

3. ABC News

   16 Oct 2026, 13:53 UTCSource ↗

   ABC reported that the player's identity was not yet known as team officials worked to notify his family in South Africa.