SA Rugby sends condolences to family of Hyron Andrews
SA Rugby on Friday sent its condolences to the family of Lions lock forward Hyron Andrews who passed away tragically, following an accident while on duty with his team in France.
According to French media reports, emergency services were called to the Lions' team hotel near La Rochelle, shortly after 10am and attended to the player, who was in cardiorespiratory arrest, having been found unconscious in a shower block. Attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.
Andrews, 31, who also played for the KZN Sharks and Sale Sharks in England, died after falling at the team’s hotel in La Rochelle, where they are scheduled to play a match in the European Champions Cup on Saturday.
Andrews, who was born in Paarl and attended Hoërskool Garsfontein in Pretoria, also represented the Junior Springboks in 2015.
“This is terrible and distressing news; our hearts go out to Hyron’s family and the whole Lions rugby community,” said Mr Mark Alexander, president of the South African Rugby Union.
“There are no words to adequately convey our shock and the depth of sympathy we feel for his wife Maighlin, and for his extended family, friends, teammates and loved ones during this time of immense sorrow.
“Hyron was a respected member of the rugby community whose contribution to the game and impact on those around him will be remembered with great fondness.
“His untimely passing is a devastating loss, and we share in the grief of all who knew and loved him.
“The thoughts and prayers of the entire South African rugby family are with Maighlin and all those mourning his loss. May they find strength, comfort and peace in the memories they shared with him and in the support of those around them.”
Rudolf Straeuli, Chief Executive Officer of the Lions Rugby Company, said: “We are heartbroken by the passing of Hyron. He was not only a gifted rugby player, but also a cherished member of our Lions family having recently joined us this season.
"On behalf of our Chairman, Mr Altmann Allers, the board and everyone at the Lions, I extend our deepest sympathies to Maiglin, their young sons Hendrix and Emerson and the entire Andrews family. We stand with them in their sorrow and will remember Hyron with great affection and respect.”
MATCH TO PROCEED
The Lions are in France for their first-round Champions Cup match against Stade Rochelais. It is the club's first Investec Champions Cup match in club history.
The squad and management chose to play as scheduled in Andrews’ honor. A moment of silence will be held before every Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup match this weekend.
– SArugby.co.za / florugby.com / rte.ie
