The Lions have confirmed the tragic death of one of their players ahead of the South African club's opening Champions Cup fixture against La Rochelle on Saturday

The Lions have announced the heartbreaking death of Hyron Andrews ahead of the South African club's first Champions Cup match. The team, due to play against La Rochelle on Saturday, have vowed to take to the pitch in his honour, with a moment of silence planned.

Earlier on Friday, news broke that an unidentified member of the Lions' squad had suddenly passed away that morning. French reports suggested he was found unresponsive in a shower cubicle at the team's hotel in Sainte-Marie-de-Ré.

Despite paramedics' best efforts, the player was declared dead at the scene. Initial reports did not reveal the player's identity, but the Lions have since confirmed that former South Africa under-20s lock Andrews has tragically died.

Irish media outlets reported that Stade Rochelais head coach Ronan O'Gara visited the Lions' team hotel in Sainte-Marie-de-Ré to offer his condolences.

The hotel's management told ICI La Rochelle that a psychological support unit has been set up within the premises, available to both staff members and the South African squad.

Make sure you never miss the best content in sport by making the Daily Star one of your Google preferred sources.

The 31-year-old second row began his career in the academy system at the Bulls, before transferring to the Sharks after finishing his education.

He spent ten years with the Durban-based team, playing for their senior side 77 times. He later joined Sale Sharks, making 45 appearances for the Gallagher Premiership club before leaving this summer.

"The Lions Rugby Company is deeply saddened by the passing of player Hyron Andrews while on tour with the 10bet Lions ahead of their Investec Champions Cup and Vodacom United Rugby Championship fixtures," read a statement released by the Lions.

"This devastating news has sent shockwaves through the international rugby community. The former Sharks and Sale Sharks lock forward was a valued member of the Lions family, and his loss will be felt profoundly by his teammates, coaches, supporters and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

"Our deepest and most heartfelt condolences go to Hyron's wife, Maiglin, their young sons, and the entire Andrews family. We hold them in our thoughts during this time of unimaginable grief and ask that their privacy be respected as they mourn."

The club's chief executive officer, Rudolf Straeuli, added: "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 Maiglin, 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."

The club confirmed further details regarding an "appropriate tribute" would be announced in due course, while stating they would honour their opening Champions Cup fixture against Stade Rochelais on Saturday.

An EPCR statement confirmed the match would go ahead as planned, with a minute's silence to be observed before every fixture this weekend. "It is with deep sadness that EPCR has learned of the tragic passing of 10bet Lions player Hyron Andrews while on tour ahead of their Investec Champions Cup and URC fixtures," the statement read.

"The 10bet Lions squad and management are currently in France ahead of their Round 1 Investec Champions Cup match against Stade Rochelais, and the squad, as a group, have chosen to play tomorrow as planned in honour of their teammate.

"In memory of Hyron, a moment's silence will be held ahead of every Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup match this weekend."

EPCR Chairman Dominic McKay said: "The thoughts of everyone at EPCR and the wider international rugby community are with Hyron's wife Maiglin, his young sons, wider family, friends, teammates, the 10bet Lions and all those who knew and loved him at this incredibly difficult time."