Hyron Andrews, a second-row forward for the South African franchise the Johannesburg Lions, was found dead in a hotel on the Île de Ré on the morning of Friday, October 16, 2026, the day before his side was due to face Stade Rochelais in the European Champions Cup.
The 31-year-old father of two was in cardio-respiratory arrest when emergency services arrived shortly after 10:20 a.m. He was found in a shower cubicle. Rescuers were unable to revive him.
Club Confirms Identity
The Lions confirmed in a statement on Friday afternoon that the deceased player was Andrews. He had joined the Johannesburg-based club this summer from the English Premiership side Sale Sharks, based in the Manchester area.
Investigation Opened
Arnaud Laraize, the public prosecutor in La Rochelle, said an investigation had been opened to determine the causes of death, adding that the accidental-death hypothesis was being given priority.
Counselling Support at Hotel
The management of the Atalante-Relais Thalasso hotel in Sainte-Marie-de-Ré, where the squad is staying, told local media that a psychological support unit had been set up at the establishment for both staff and the Lions team.
Match to Go Ahead
The club also announced that it will play the Champions Cup fixture as scheduled on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at the Stade Marcel-Deflandre, “in honour of Hyron Andrews.”
