Photo via BBC Sport

Tributes to Andrews before Champions Cup matches

The rugby world paused to honor Hyron Andrews, the former Sale Sharks lock who passed away at age 31, as clubs across Europe observed tributes during Saturday’s Champions Cup and Challenge Cup matches. The Lions, who played their pool game against La Rochelle in France just 24 hours after Andrews’ death, wore black armbands and observed a minute’s silence before kick-off, with La Rochelle supporters offering prolonged applause as the Lions took the field.

Andrews’ number five jersey was laid out on the pitch, and two South African players from La Rochelle—Dillyn Leyds and Salmaan Moerat—presented a commemorative jersey to the Lions. Despite the emotional weight of the moment, the Lions lost 31-14, but head coach Ivan van Rooyen emphasized that the match was never about results—it was about celebrating Andrews’ life and legacy, with thousands of messages flooding in from around the world to honor him as a world-class player, husband, and father.

Sale Sharks, Andrews’ former club, also paid tribute before their 47-27 defeat to Glasgow Warriors, with director of rugby Alex Sanderson highlighting the squad’s unity in the face of loss. Andrews, who spent over two years at Sale before returning to South Africa, was remembered for his off-field impact as much as his on-field contributions, with Sanderson noting his underrated talent and the deep bond he formed with teammates.

The club has pledged support to Andrews’ family, including his two young sons, as they navigate their grief. His departure from Manchester last season marked the end of a chapter where he had settled into family life and left behind a lasting impression on those who knew him.

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