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Lions players in tears at Hyron Andrews tribute before La Rochelle defeat

The 31-year-old lock died after a fall at the team hotel on the Île de Ré, and the Lions dedicated their first Champions Cup match to him the next day.

By RuckBee NewsroomUpdated 1 min read
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Some Lions players were crying as Hyron Andrews' No. 5 jersey lay on the pitch during a minute's silence before their Champions Cup debut against La Rochelle in France. The match came less than 24 hours after their team-mate's death.

Andrews, 31, died on Friday 16 October, the day before the Lions were due to play. The lock was found unresponsive at the team hotel on the Île de Ré, and SA Rugby confirmed that he had died after a fall there. French authorities have since opened an investigation into how he died.

The squad still played the match against La Rochelle. Before kick-off, players from both sides stood together for the minute's silence with his jersey on the grass in front of them. Several Lions players were visibly emotional, and some had tears running down their faces.

The club dedicated the match to Andrews but lost to La Rochelle on their first appearance in the competition.

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