Former Sale Sharks player Hyron Andrews dies at team hotel in France

He was just 31 years old

As reported by Ici La Rochelle, Andrews, a member of the South African team Lions, was found in the squad hotel on l'île de Ré, an island just off the coast of the French city of La Rochelle.

This comes a day ahead of the clubs Champions Cup match against Stade Rochelais.

As per reports in France, the former Sale Sharks Lock was found in a shower cubicle unresponsive in cardiorespiratory arrest, but was not able to be resuscitated by paramedics who were called to the scene at around 10.20am local time (9.20 UK time).

A statement from South Africa Rugby stated that his death had been an "accident" and that he "died after a fall".

It read: "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.

"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."

Lions chief executive Rudolf Straeuli said: "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 [Andrews' wife] Maighlin, 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."

ICI La Rochelle report that a pyschological support group has been set up at the hotel for the staff and players of the team.

The match between Lions and Stade Rochelais will still go ahead tomorrow in Andrews' honour with a moment's silence to be observed.

President of the South African Rugby Union Mark Alexander said: "This is terrible and distressing news; our hearts go out to Hyron's family and the whole Lions rugby community.

"There are no words to adequately convey our shock and the depth of sympathy we feel for his wife Maighlin, and for his extended family, friends, team-mates and loved ones during this time of immense sorrow.

"His untimely passing is a devastating loss, and we share in the grief of all who knew and loved him."