Photo via BBC Sport

Former Sale Sharks lock Andrews dies at team hotel in La Rochelle

Former Sale Sharks second-row forward Hyron Andrews, 31, died unexpectedly at a team hotel in La Rochelle ahead of the Johannesburg Lions’ Champions Cup match on Saturday. According to a statement from SA Rugby, Andrews passed away after a fall, with his death ruled an accident.

The Lions, who had signed him earlier this season, will honor his memory by playing their fixture against La Rochelle at 17:30 BST, with a moment of silence observed across all opening-round matches. Andrews, who made 45 appearances for Sale after joining from the Sharks in February 2024, was praised for his skill and camaraderie by teammates and club officials, including Sale’s director of rugby, Alex Sanderson, who described him as a beloved figure both on and off the field.

His untimely loss follows a decade after the death of Munster coach Anthony Foley, who passed away in Paris before a Champions Cup match in 2014. Andrews had previously represented the Junior Springboks in 2015 but had yet to earn senior international honors.

Up nextRugby· 3h ago

Player found dead at Lions team hotel before Champions Cup game against La Rochelle