The Lions have confirmed the cause of death of second-row Hyron Andrews, who passed away suddenly last Friday just one day before the club's Champions Cup debut against La Rochelle

South African rugby club the Lions have revealed the cause of death of Hyron Andrews, who died suddenly last Friday - just one day before the club made their Champions Cup debut. Andrews was discovered unresponsive in his hotel room on the morning of the match against La Rochelle and could not be revived despite the best efforts of emergency services.

South African Rugby Union officials confirmed his death followed a fall at the hotel, with an investigation into the circumstances subsequently launched. Following the completion of the post-mortem examination, the Lions have issued a statement confirming the 31-year-old died from an aortic dissection.

"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.

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"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."

The former Sale Sharks lock had only recently joined the Lions, having returned to South Africa this summer after spending two years in England. He leaves behind his wife, Maiglin, and their two young sons.

Despite the heartbreaking circumstances, the Lions went ahead with Saturday's fixture against La Rochelle - with both sides paying their respects to the second-row before kick-off.

His No. 5 jersey was placed on the pitch as players held a minute's silence, with several Lions players visibly struggling to hold back their emotions.

The decision to proceed with the match so shortly after the tragedy has drawn criticism, with former England internationals Chris Ashton and Danny Care both questioning whether the players should have taken to the field last Saturday.

The Lions return to URC action this Friday, with upcoming opponents Edinburgh having already reached out to the Johannesburg club.

Edinburgh attack coach Tim Sampson confirmed that head coach Sean Everitt had been in touch with those within the Johannesburg-based club to offer their support during an incredibly challenging week for the South African side.