A Lions rugby player has tragically died at the team's hotel in France on the eve of their Champions Cup match against La Rochelle, with the game now expected to be postponed

A rugby player has tragically passed away just hours before a Champions Cup fixture against La Rochelle in France.

The unidentified member of South African side Lions' squad died unexpectedly on Friday morning, according to several French media outlets. Due to the devastating circumstances, the fixture is anticipated to be called off.

French reports indicate that a Lions player was found dead at the team's accommodation in Sainte-Marie-de-Ré on Friday morning.

Having been found unresponsive in a shower cubicle, efforts were made by paramedics to resuscitate him but were ultimately unsuccessful, with the player being pronounced dead at the scene.

The initial reports did not name the player - only disclosing that he was in his thirties.

The hotel's management told ICI La Rochelle that a psychological support unit has been set up within the hotel, both for employees and members of the South African side.

The Lions had been preparing for their first-ever Champions Cup appearance, taking on Stade Rochelais on Saturday.

The Munster head coach passed away in his sleep a day before his side were due to face Racing 92 in their opening Champions Cup match in 2016.

The match was postponed. A decade on, Munster are planning to honour Foley with a tribute ahead of their match this weekend.

Foley's former Munster and Ireland team-mate Ronan O'Gara was part of Racing's coaching team back in 2016.

The former British and Irish Lions fly-half is now Stade Rochelais' head coach.

According to reports in Ireland, O'Gara is said to be heading to the Lions' team hotel to offer condolences and show support.