South African rugby player Hyron Andrews remembered in emotional tribute

Tribute before Champions Cup match

Players stood with heads bowed during a minute’s silence before La Rochelle faced the Johannesburg Lions. Some were crying as Andrews was honoured at the Champions Cup game.

His former number five shirt was placed on the field, and his face appeared on the stadium screen beside his full name, Hyron Diego Andrews. Lions players were visibly emotional on Saturday, embracing one another. La Rochelle’s players wore black armbands.

Andrews died in France

Andrews died on Friday while touring France with the Johannesburg Lions. SA Rugby said his death followed a fall. La Rochelle prosecutor Arnaud Laraize told The Associated Press that Andrews was found in a locked shower cubicle on Friday morning. He had taken part in a hammam session about an hour earlier.

Former clubs share condolences

Andrews also played for the KZN Sharks and Sale Sharks in England. Sale Sharks sent condolences to his wife, children, family, friends and the Lions. Sale Sharks Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson described Andrews as a skilled player and a valued teammate. He said Andrews was funny and charismatic, and that teammates loved being around him.