Andrews was found unresponsive at the team hotel on Île de Ré on Friday and could not be resuscitated.

South Africa Rugby said he died after falling at the hotel, but no official cause of death has been confirmed.

The Lions chose to play in his honour, producing a spirited performance before losing 31–14 to home side La Rochelle.

La Rochelle supporters formed a guard of honour as the visitors arrived at Stade Marcel-Deflandre, where several Lions players were visibly emotional.

Andrews’ number five shirt was laid in front of his teammates for an impeccably observed silence.

Second-row replacement Ruan Delport wore number 24, leaving Andrews’ jersey number vacant.

La Rochelle’s South African players, Dillyn Leyds and Salmaan Moerat, presented a commemorative number five shirt to Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen before applause broke out in the fifth minute.

Lions Rugby chief executive Rudolf Straeuli said in an earlier 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.

"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."

A specialist support unit had been set up for the Lions franchise's players and staff, as well as hotel personnel, according to French media.

Andrews only returned to his home country this summer after a spell at Sale Sharks in England, where he made 45 appearances.

He also played for Durban side Sharks before his move to England in 2024.

He made two appearances for the Lions in this season’s United Rugby Championship.

Sale reflected on the loss of a "much-loved member" of their squad.

Director Alex Sanderson said on Friday: "Hyron was just a brilliant guy and a brilliant teammate. 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.