Lions rugby player’s cause of death investigated as hotel ‘accident’ emerges

French authorities have launched an investigation following the sudden death of 31-year-old Lions lock Hyron Andrews in La Rochelle. Andrews was found unresponsive inside a locked shower cubicle in his hotel's spa area on Friday morning. South African Rugby confirmed that Andrews died following a fall, with the local public prosecutor indicating that an accidental death is the priority hypothesis pending an autopsy.

Andrews joined the Lions this summer and previously represented Sale Sharks and the Durban-based Sharks. The Lions confirmed they would proceed with their Champions Cup match against Stade Rochelais in his honor. Tributes were paid across the sport, including from SA Rugby president Mark Alexander and Sale director of rugby Alex Sanderson.