Sale have paid tribute to the "much-loved member" of their squad

Former Sale Sharks rugby player Hyron Andrews has died following a fall while away with his Lions team in France. The South African Rugby Union confirmed in a statement the 31-year-old had died after falling at the team's hotel.

The former Sale lock was at his team's hotel ahead of their Investec Champions Cup match against La Rochelle.

Sale has reflected on the loss of a "much-loved member" of their squad, who had stayed on past his initial short-term deal through to the end of the 2025-26 campaign, making 45 appearances.

Sharks director of rugby Alex Sanderson said on the club website: "Hyron was just a brilliant guy and a brilliant team-mate. He was so skilled on the field, but off it, he was always someone you would want to have a beer with.

"He was funny and charismatic in his own unique, dry way and the lads, to a man, loved playing with him and being around him."

Sale said the club will be paying tribute to Andrews at their Champions Cup fixture against Glasgow Warriors on Saturday.

In a statement the South African president Mark Alexander said 'there are no words to adequately convey our shock' following the 'terrible and distressing news'.

On the governing body's website he said: "This is terrible and distressing news; our hearts go out to Hyron's family and the whole Lions rugby community," SA Rugby president Mark Alexander said on the governing body's website.

"There are no words to adequately convey our shock and the depth of sympathy we feel for his wife Maighlin, and for his extended family, friends, team-mates and loved ones during this time of immense sorrow.

"Hyron was a respected member of the rugby community whose contribution to the game and impact on those around him will be remembered with great fondness.

"His untimely passing is a devastating loss, and we share in the grief of all who knew and loved him."

Andrews also played for Durban side Sharks before his move to England in 2024, initially on a short-term deal, and had made two appearances for the Lions in this season's United Rugby Championship.

Lions confirmed the team would play the game against La Rochelle "in honour of Hyron".

Lions Rugby chief executive Rudolf Straeuli said in a statement: "We are heartbroken by the passing of Hyron. He was not only a gifted rugby player, but also a cherished member of our Lions family having recently joined us this season," Lions Rugby chief executive Rudolf Straeuli said in a statement.

"On behalf of our chairman, Mr Altmann Allers, the board and everyone at the Lions, I extend our deepest sympathies to Maighlin, their young sons Hendrix and Emerson and the entire Andrews family.

"We stand with them in their sorrow and will remember Hyron with great affection and respect."

Tournament organisers also confirmed a moment's silence will be held ahead of every Champions Cup and Challenge Cup match over the weekend.