Hyron Andrews tragically passed away at the age of 31 on Friday

Tears were shed as Sale Sharks paid tribute to former second-row Hyron Andrews following his tragic passing on Friday.

A minute's silence in memory of the former Junior Springbok lock took place ahead of Sale's Champions Cup match against Glasgow Warriors on Saturday, while director of rugby Alex Sanderson also paid tribute to Andrews both before and after the match.

In particular, Sanderson's touching words at the start of Premier Sports' coverage saw presenter Claire Thomas hug the five-cap England international on-air.

Andrews died on Friday morning at the Johannesburg Lions' team hotel ahead of their Champions Cup match against Stade Rochelais.

Prior to moving back to South Africa in the summer, the 31-year-old had played regularly for Sale over the past two years.

On the TV coverage, a visibly shaken Sale director of rugby Alex Sanderson said: "It's still quite emotional, just talking about him and thinking about him. He originally came for six months on a trial, helping us out when we were injury-stricken.

"He ended up staying for over two years. It was as much about the bloke as it was the player. Lads just gravitated to him.

"He had a really good energy around the training ground and on the field. Off it, he was quite dry and charismatic in his own right.

"We loved him and we continue to love his wife, Maiglin, Hendrix his oldest and Emerson his youngest. I know the lads were talking to Maiglin last night and Hendrix this morning.

"As a group, clearly we're grieving together. Individually, you get over it in your own way and your time.

"It's not something we want to weaponise, it's more an acknowledgement and a celebration of the time he had here. That's where we want to get to, but it's going to take a bit of time.

"I'd like to think that, as much as he gave to us - and he and his family gave a lot - that we helped him on his journey and provided a happy home for him.

"Anyone who comes and plays for Sale is an adopted northerner. There were traits about him that fitted in so well. The grittiness, the sense of humour in the dark times, being able to feel the rain. He'll be sorely missed, more so as a mate than as a player.

"I've acknowledged it. It's too early to address it and reframe it. It's just too raw. Being the DoR, it's on me to acknowledge it. I said to the boys that I'm still reeling a bit myself.

"Everyone's feeling it, everyone's devastated. Everyone's thinking about his family, the extended family, the Lions who are playing a game today.

"That's the cruellest part of it. Even after something so tragic - and it is tragic and shocking - the big wheel still turns. Kick-off at 1 o'clock. It just doesn't seem fair to some degree, but unfortunately that's life."

Having finished speaking, Thomas embraced Sanderson - with Premier Sport then taking a moment to reflect on Andrews' life before previewing the match.

The minute's silence ahead of kick-off was just as emotional, with players visibly upset.

In the stands, a number of fans could be seen wiping away tears.

Sale ultimately fell to a 47-27 defeat to Glasgow, who are one of the tournament favourites this season.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live afterwards, Sanderson praised his side's efforts in such difficult circumstances.

"I am really impressed with how the lads have come together, looked after each other and got tighter in the trauma of it," he said. "It is a good indication of the strength of the squad and the depth of the culture, how much they want to get around each other and get through it together.

"Hyron represents a large portion of the squad, in that he came here underrated and got opportunities to show what he is capable of. He forwarded his career, made Manchester his second home, settled with his wife and had another child.

"He left with a lot of good mates and people who consider him as one of their best mates. His impact and what he gave off the field was far more from what he gave on it. It is still really raw to process.

"His two boys are too young to really fathom what is going on but I know the lads close to Hyron have been speaking to his two boys already this morning. We will help their family get through it.

"It was not something we looked to use or to weaponise. I'd never want to do that because I think you would kind of be dishonouring him.

"You can ride emotion and some of them wanted to do right by Hyron today. They have to get through it in their own time and way - that is grief.

"Collectively we can grieve together and be there for each other. I imagine they found it hard. I found it hard, trying to come in and be my positive self.

"They didn't really show it with how they started. It shows the pros they are."