A playing member of South Africa’s domestic side the Lions has died of an apparent heart attack in La Rochelle a day before the two sides were due to meet in the European Champions Cup.

Reports in France have suggested the Lions player was found unresponsive in a shower stall at a hotel on the idyllic Ile de Re – just outside of La Rochelle on Friday morning.

Emergency services arrived but were unable to resuscitate the player who was pronounced dead at the scene. It is understood the player – who is currently unnamed – was in his 30s.

The Ile de Re venue confirmed to a French website that a psychological support unit had been set up for the Lions players and staff as well as hotel employees.

There has been no official statement from the Lions or the Champions Cup to date, but it is expected that the La Rochelle and Lions game will be called off.

More to follow…