Before returning to South Africa during the summer, the 31-year-old had featured consistently for Sale throughout the previous two years.

During the TV broadcast, a visibly shaken Sale director of rugby Alex Sanderson stated: "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.

"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."

Once he had finished speaking, Thomas embraced Sanderson, with Premier Sport pausing to pay tribute to Andrews' life before turning attention to the match preview.

The minute's silence before kick-off proved equally moving, with players visibly distressed. In the stands, several supporters were spotted wiping tears from their eyes.

Sale ultimately suffered a 47-27 defeat to Glasgow, who are among the tournament's leading contenders this season. Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live afterwards, Sanderson commended his players' efforts under such trying 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.

"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."