Johannesburg Lions lock Hyron Andrews dies in hotel before Champions Cup debut
Johannesburg Lions second-row forward Hyron Andrews, 31, died at a team hotel on the Ile de Re in France on Friday, October 16, 2026. He was found unconscious in a shower cubicle and pronounced dead after emergency services attempted resuscitation. SA Rugby confirmed the death was an accident resulting from a fall. The Lions will proceed with their scheduled Champions Cup match against La Rochelle in his honor, while a moment of silence will be observed at all opening round fixtures across the European competitions.