Hyron Andrews dies aged 31 as Lions and Sale Sharks pay tribute

Lions lock Hyron Andrews, who previously played for Sale Sharks, has died aged 31 while on tour with the South African club in France. SA Rugby said Andrews died following an accident at the team hotel on Friday 16 October, ahead of the Lions’ Champions Cup match against La Rochelle.

The Lions have confirmed that Saturday’s fixture will go ahead in his honour, with kick-off at 5.30pm BST. Tributes have been paid by his current and former clubs, while European Professional Club Rugby has announced a moment’s silence before every Champions Cup and Challenge Cup match this weekend.

Lions pay tribute to Hyron Andrews

Lions chief executive Rudolf Straeuli said the club was grieving the loss of a player who had recently joined the squad.

“We are heartbroken by the passing of Hyron,” he said.

Straeuli described Andrews as a gifted player and a cherished member of the Lions family, extending the club’s condolences to his wife, their young sons and wider family.

The club has asked for the family’s privacy to be respected and said further details of an appropriate tribute would follow.

Sale remember a popular teammate

Sale Sharks’ tribute reflected on Andrews’ contribution during his time in England, where he made 45 appearances.

Director of rugby Alex Sanderson said: “Hyron was just a brilliant guy and a brilliant teammate.”

Sanderson praised his ability on the field, his dry humour and the friendships he formed within the squad. He also spoke of how Andrews and his family embraced life in Manchester.

Andrews initially joined Sale from the Durban-based Sharks in 2024 as injury cover for Jonny Hill. He remained with the club until the end of the 2025/26 season before returning to South Africa to join the Lions.

He also represented the Junior Springboks in 2015.

Tributes across European rugby

The Lions’ meeting with La Rochelle will be their first appearance in the Champions Cup.

Players and management have decided to fulfil the fixture in Andrews’ memory, with tributes also planned across the weekend’s European matches.

SA Rugby president Mark Alexander expressed the union’s sympathy for Andrews’ family, friends and teammates, describing his death as a devastating loss to the rugby community.

Sale have opened an online book of condolence where supporters can leave messages and share memories.