Hyron Andrews cause of death revealed as Lions release statement ahead of Scottish double-header

South African rugby franchise the Lions have released a statement confirming the cause of death of Hyron Andrews aged just 31-years-old.

The passing of the former Sale Sharks and Springboks under 20s lock sent shockwaves through the sporting world last week. His team were in France to face La Rochelle in their first ever Champions Cup match when the tragic news broke.

Lions went on to play that fixture in honour of Andrews’ memory and are now in Scotland to face Edinburgh and Glasgow Warriors in a United Rugby Championship double-header over the next fortnight. The question over what caused the husband and father of two’s death has also been answered.

Lions release statement confirming Hyron Andrews’ cause of death

Lions players observe a moment of silence in honour of their teammate Hyron Andrews, ahead of the European Rugby Champions Cup rugby union match between Stade Rochelais (La Rochelle) and Lions at at the Marcel-Deflandre Stadium in La Rochelle, western France, on October 17, 2026 (Pic: Getty) | AFP via Getty Images

An official statement from the Lions said: “Lions Rugby Company, on behalf of the Andrews family, confirms that, following an autopsy report, Hyron’s death was found to be caused by an aortic dissection. This dissection most likely occurred on an aortic aneurysm.

“The French authorities, who conducted the autopsy and, in whose care Hyron’s body currently remains, described the cause of death as ‘a tear in the aorta (due to natural causes), which led to a significant accumulation of blood within the sac surrounding the heart.’ The Andrews family asks for respect, privacy and patience during this difficult time as the repatriation process begins.

“A timeline for the return of Hyron’s body to South Africa has not yet been determined. Further information will be communicated when it becomes available and under the guidance of the family.”

Clubs across Europe and South Africa observed a moment's silence for Andrews before their respective Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup fixtures last weekend. The scenes were particularly poignant at the La Rochelle v Lions match as well as Sale Sharks vs Glasgow Warriors with the player having also represented the English side.

Another of his former clubs, the Sharks of Durban in South Africa for whom he made more appearances than any other team, dedicated their dramatic 40-33 win over Lyon to Andrews’ memory. He leaves behind a wife and two young sons.

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