Lions to play Champions Cup match in honour of Hyron Andrews

Hyron Andrews, a 31-year-old lock with the Lions, died while the South African club was touring France, the team confirmed on Friday. The Lions said their Champions Cup match against La Rochelle would proceed on Saturday in his honour, a decision also confirmed by tournament organizer European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR). South African Rugby said Andrews died after a fall at the team hotel and described his death as an accident. The circumstances and cause remain under investigation. The La Rochelle public prosecutor’s office said an inquiry had been opened and an autopsy would be performed, with accidental death being treated as the leading hypothesis. The Lions’ match against La Rochelle is scheduled for October 17, with kickoff at 18:30 South African time. EPCR said the squad and management had collectively chosen to play as planned. The club said it would share details of an additional tribute at a later date. EPCR also announced that a moment of silence would be held before every Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup match over the weekend. The measures extend the tributes beyond the fixture Andrews’s teammates are due to play in France. In its statement, the...