Paramedics rush in after stadium emergency as players tear up over death of Lions star

17:15, Sun, Oct 18, 2026 Updated: 17:18, Sun, Oct 18, 2026

Lions players tear up during a moment of silence in honour of their late team-mate Hyron Andrews (Image: AFP)

A spectator suffered a cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital during La Rochelle's emotionally charged Champions Cup clash against the Lions, just one day after the tragic death of South African player Hyron Andrews. The supporter was taken seriously ill at the Stade Marcel-Deflandre ahead of Saturday's match, with emergency services scrambled to administer treatment. French broadcaster RMC Sport reported that the spectator received treatment from paramedics and firefighters while a section of the main stand was cordoned off and closed to the public for approximately 30 minutes.

Early reports suggested the person's heart had restarted before they were transported to hospital in La Rochelle. No fatalities were recorded at the ground, according to the broadcaster.

The incident unfolded on a deeply poignant day for the Lions, who took to the pitch fewer than 24 hours after the death of their team-mate Andrews, who was 31 years old.

The second-row forward was discovered unresponsive at the South African side's hotel on the Ile de Re on Friday morning.

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South African Rugby Union officials confirmed he had passed away following a fall at the team's hotel, with an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death launched.

The Lions opted to honour their Champions Cup commitment against La Rochelle as a tribute to Andrews, with both sides and their supporters paying their respects ahead of kick-off.

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Security personnel hold a black cloth as a spectator is treated by medical staff performing CPR (Image: Getty Images)

Hyron Andrews tragically died at the age of 31 on Friday (Image: Getty)

Andrews' No.5 jersey was placed on the pitch as players from both teams gathered for a minute's silence. A number of Lions players were visibly moved as they paid tribute to their team-mate, while La Rochelle's South African players presented a jersey to the visiting squad.

The home supporters also extended a warm welcome to the Lions, with the crowd bursting into spontaneous applause as both sides prepared to kick off.

The tributes carried on throughout the match. Shortly after the Lions broke the deadlock through Henco van Wyk, supporters rose to their feet to applaud in the fifth minute in Andrews' honour.

Andrews, who had previously represented Sale Sharks and the Hollywoodbets Sharks, had recently signed for the Johannesburg-based Lions. He is survived by his wife, Maiglin, and their two young sons.

Despite the deeply difficult circumstances, the Lions delivered a resolute display on their Champions Cup debut, yet ultimately fell to a 31-14 defeat against La Rochelle.

At the final whistle, the travelling players were afforded a standing ovation from the home faithful, with La Rochelle's squad forming a guard of honour as the Lions paid their final respects to Andrews.

The lock's passing sent shockwaves throughout the rugby world, with heartfelt tributes pouring in from former clubs, team-mates and officials as the sport united in support of his family and the Lions squad.