Rugby community in shock following sudden death of Lions player ahead of Scotland tour
South African club announced tragic news of former Sale Sharks player Andrews’ death
Lions rugby player Hyron Andrews has tragically passed away while on tour in France aged just 31-year-old.
The former Sale Sharks lock was due to feature for the Johannesburg side in their first ever Investec Champions Cup tie away to La Rochelle on Saturday. The club have confirmed that match will still go ahead as planned in honour of the one-time Springboks youth international.
A statement from the Lions said: “This devastating news has sent shockwaves through the international rugby community. The former Sharks and Sale Sharks lock forward was a valued member of the Lions family, and his loss will be felt profoundly by his teammates, coaches, supporters and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
“Just a brilliant guy and a brilliant teammate” - Sale Sharks pay tribute to former player Hyron Andrews
“Our deepest and most heartfelt condolences go to Hyron’s wife, Maiglin, their young sons, and the entire Andrews family. We hold them in our thoughts during this time of unimaginable grief and ask that their privacy be respected as they mourn.”
The South African club’s Chief Executive Officer Rudolf Straeuli added: “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.”
The Lions were due to tour Scotland this month with and play a double header against Edinburgh Rugby and Glasgow Warriors in the United Rugby Championship. It has not been announced at this time if that trip will go ahead or if the fixtures will be postponed.
Sale Sharks, who face Warriors on Saturday in their Investec Champions Cup opener, also released a statement. They said: “Everyone at Sale Sharks is devastated to learn of the death of our former player Hyron Andrews.
“Hyron was a much-loved member of the squad during his time with us and everyone at the club is united in sending their love, thoughts and heartfelt condolences to his wife Maighlin, their beautiful boys and the rest of his family and friends and everyone at Lions Rugby.”
Sharks Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson added: “Hyron was just a brilliant guy and a brilliant teammate. He was so skilled on the field but off it, he was always someone you would want to have a beer with.
“He was funny and charismatic in his own unique, dry way and the lads, to a man, loved playing with him and being around him. It was a big move for Hyron and his Maighlin to come to England but he truly made a second home in Manchester and it was incredible to see how he and his family embraced the club and area.
“Most importantly, he was a loving husband to Maiglin and a doting father to his two gorgeous boys. It was an absolute privilege to get to know him and it’s just absolutely devastating for everyone.”
The Salford outfit also confirmed plans to pay tribute to Andrews prior to this weekend’s match with Glasgow Warriors. A minute’s silence is due to be held ahead of all games this weekend as a mark of respect.
Both Scottish clubs also published messaged of condolences with Glasgow head coach Franco Smith saying: "On behalf of everyone at Glasgow Warriors, I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the Lions, Hyron's family, friends and teammates following this tragic loss."
A statement from Edinburgh Rugby said: “Everyone at Edinburgh Rugby is deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of 10bets Lions player Hyron Andrews. Our heartfelt condolences go to Hyron’s wife, Maiglin, their young sons, and the entire Andrews family, as well as to his teammates, coaches and everyone at the Lions at this incredibly difficult time. The thoughts of the whole Edinburgh Rugby family are with you all.”
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