IN MEMORIAM: Lock Hyran Andrews died on the eve of the Lions' Champions Cup match against La Rochelle.

Image: Backpagepix

The sudden death of Paarl-born rugby star Hyron Andrews has been linked to a tear in his aorta, with an autopsy confirming that the 31-year-old died from internal bleeding around his heart.

The Lions Rugby Company confirmed the findings on Wednesday, October 21, on behalf of the Andrews family, five days after the former Junior Springbok died in France. His body remains with French authorities as arrangements are made to return him to South Africa.

The autopsy found that the tear, believed to have been caused by an aortic aneurysm, resulted in a significant accumulation of blood around his heart.

Medical expert explains fatal aortic tear

French authorities, who conducted the autopsy, 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”.

A medical expert told IOL Media: “One of the major vessels that’s responsible for pumping blood out of the heart to the rest of the body.

"If you have a tear in it, then you have minutes before you bleed out internally. You need surgical intervention immediately. The sad part is, it's a ticking time bomb, and you never know when it's going to happen until it happens.”

Andrews died on Friday, October 16, 2026, on the eve of the Lions’ Champions Cup clash against La Rochelle, leaving teammates, family, friends and the wider South African rugby community devastated.

Family awaits return of Andrews' body

His body remains in the care of French authorities as arrangements begin to bring him home.

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

A timeline for the return of his body to South Africa has not yet been determined. Further information will be communicated when it becomes available and in consultation with the family.

According to previous reports by AFP, Andrews was found in cardiac arrest in a shower cubicle that was locked from the inside. French authorities subsequently launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie previously paid tribute to the towering lock, highlighting the physical demands and sacrifices associated with playing in the second row.

“Hyron played in a position that asks for nothing but courage; the work nobody sees and the hits nobody counts. He gave that to the Sharks, to Sale, to the Junior Boks and to the Lions, without complaint,” McKenzie said.

TRIBUTE: Emotional Lions teammates pay tribute to Hyron Andrews before their match against La Rochelle.

Image: AFP

From schoolboy rugby to international competition

Andrews’ rugby journey began in Paarl, where he grew up and attended Laerskool Paulus Joubert. His performances earned him selection for the Junior Springboks in 2015.

He spent nearly a decade with the Sharks before moving to England to play for Sale Sharks. He returned to South African rugby at the beginning of the current season to join the Lions, where he featured in every United Rugby Championship match this season.

The Lions previously described Andrews as a valued member of their team and extended their condolences to his family, including Maiglin, Hendrix and Emerson.

The family has requested privacy as they prepare to bring him home.