Tributes to Andrews before Champions Cup matches

Lions and Sale Sharks are among the clubs paying tribute to Hyron Andrews at their matches on Saturday following the death of the 31-year-old South African lock. According to The Citizen, Andrews passed away on Friday morning while on duty with the Lions in France, one day before the team's Champions Cup match against La Rochelle.

The Citizen reports that Andrews is believed to have died from cardiac arrest, though French police are investigating. SA Rugby stated that Andrews died after falling during an "accident" at the hotel where the team is staying, and he is believed to have been found unresponsive in a shower cubicle in the hotel spa. Mark Alexander, president of the South African Rugby Union, expressed condolences to Andrews' wife, Maighlin, and his family and teammates.

Andrews had joined the Lions only a few weeks ago after several years playing for Sale in England. Despite the death, the Lions' match against La Rochelle proceeded on Saturday to honor him.

Brief written by urgent.news from BBC Sport, The Citizen — 2 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.