The 31-year-old died suddenly last Friday, a day before the Lions' Champions Cup match against La Rochelle

South African rugby side Lions have confirmed the cause of death of second-row Hyron Andrews, who passed away suddenly last Friday - just one day before the club made their Champions Cup debut.

Andrews had been found unresponsive in his hotel room in the morning before the match against La Rochelle and could not be revived despite efforts of emergency personnel. South African Rugby Union officials confirmed his death following a fall at the hotel, with an investigation into the circumstances opened.

Following the conclusion of the autopsy, the Lions have released a statement to confirm the 31-year-old died of an aortic dissection.

“Lions Rugby Company, on behalf of the Andrews family, confirms that, following an autopsy report, Hyron’s death was found to be caused by an aortic dissection," read the statement.

"This dissection most likely occurred on an aortic aneurysm.

“The French authorities, who conducted the autopsy and, in whose care Hyron’s body currently remains, described the cause of death as 'a tear in the aorta (due to natural causes), which led to a significant accumulation of blood within the sac surrounding the heart'.

“The Andrews family asks for respect, privacy and patience during this difficult time as the repatriation process begins.

“A timeline for the return of Hyron’s body to South Africa has not yet been determined. Further information will be communicated when it becomes available and under the guidance of the family.”

The former Sale Sharks lock had only recently joined the Lions, having returned to South Africa this summer after two years in England.

He leaves behind his wife, Maiglin, and their two young sons.

Despite the tragic circumstances, the Lions fulfilled Saturday's fixture against La Rochelle - with the two teams paying tribute to the second-row ahead of kick-off.

His No. 5 jersey was laid on the pitch as players observed a minute's silence, while several Lions players were visibly emotional.

The decision to play the game so soon after the tragedy has been questioned by some, with former England internationals Chris Ashton and Danny Care raising doubts over whether the players should have taken to the field last Saturday.

The Lions will be back in URC action this Friday, with opponents Edinburgh having already reached out to the Johannesburg club.

Edinburgh attack coach Tim Sampson said head coach Sean Everitt had contacted people within the Johannesburg-based club to offer support during an extraordinarily difficult week for the South African side.