Rugby star Hyron Andrews dies suddenly aged 31

Tributes are flowing for much-loved rugby star Hyron Andrews who has died suddenly in his hotel room on the eve of a Champions Cup game.

The 31-year-old Johannesburg Lion was found dead in the shower at the Atalante-Relais Thalasso hotel on the Île de Ré.

He reportedly fell after having a heart attack. The shower was locked from the inside.

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Medical crews rushed to the hotel when his body was found at around 10am, but Andrews could not be revived.

The death has sent shockwaves around the rugby community with the South African lock representing several teams including the KZN Sharks and Sale Sharks.

“This is terrible and distressing news; our hearts go out to Hyron’s family and the whole Lions rugby community,” said South African Rugby Union president Mark Alexander.

“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.”

Andrews was about to step out for the Lions in the Champions Cup tournament on Saturday.

A moment’s silence is now being held to pay tribute to Andrews in every Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup match across weekend.

The Lions were to face off against La Rochelle on Saturday and they have since confirmed the match will go ahead.

“The Lions Rugby Company is deeply saddened by the passing of player Hyron Andrews while on tour with the 10bet Lions ahead of their Investec Champions Cup and Vodacom United Rugby Championship fixtures,” the team said via a statement.

“This devastating news has sent shockwaves through the international rugby community. The former Sharks and Sale Sharks lock forward was a valued member of the Lions family, and his loss will be felt profoundly by his teammates, coaches, supporters and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

“Our deepest and most heartfelt condolences go to Hyron’s wife, Maiglin, their young sons, and the entire Andrews family.

“We hold them in our thoughts during this time of unimaginable grief and ask that their privacy be respected as they mourn.”

On social media, they said: “It is with broken hearts that we mourn the passing of Hyron Andrews, a valued member of our Lions family.

“Rest in peace, Hyron. You will always be part of our family.”

Sale, the club Andrews played for on 45 occasions (including this year) said they had lost a “much-loved member”.

“Everyone at Sale Sharks is devastated to learn of the death of our former player Hyron Andrews,” the club said.

“Hyron was a much-loved member of the squad during his time with us and everyone at the club is united in sending their love, thoughts and heartfelt condolences to his wife Maighlin, their beautiful boys and the rest of his family and friends and everyone at Lions Rugby.”