"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," the statement read.

"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."

He is survived by 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, with several Lions players visibly overcome with emotion.

The Lions return to URC action this Friday, with opponents Edinburgh having already extended their condolences to the Johannesburg club.

Edinburgh attack coach Tim Sampson confirmed that head coach Sean Everitt had reached out to those within the Johannesburg-based club to offer support during an extraordinarily difficult week for the South African side.