French authorities probe Hyron Andrews' death as rugby pays tribute this weekend

The 31-year-old was in France with the Lions ahead of Saturday's Investec Champions Cup clash against La Rochelle. According to SA Rugby, Andrews died following an accidental fall at the hotel.

La Rochelle public prosecutor Arnaud Laraize confirmed to AFP that an investigation had been launched to determine the circumstances surrounding his death, though investigators are currently treating it as a suspected accident.

"There are no signs of violence on his body, and the involvement of a third party is not currently considered a likely scenario," the prosecutor's office said.

Emergency services were called to the hotel shortly after 10:20am on Friday, but attempts to resuscitate Andrews were unsuccessful.

Despite the tragedy, the Lions have confirmed they will play Saturday's fixture against La Rochelle. The decision was made collectively by the players and management, who will take to the field in honour of their teammate.

The Investec Champions Cup began on Friday night under sombre circumstances, with a minute's silence observed at Kingsholm Stadium ahead of Gloucester's clash with Bordeaux-Begles to honour Andrews.

A minute's silence will also be held before every Champions Cup and Challenge Cup fixture this weekend in honour of the late Lions lock.

The Lions and SA Rugby led the tributes to Andrews on Friday, with his former clubs the Sharks, where he spent more than a decade, and Sale Sharks, where he played for two years before joining the Lions this season, also paying their respects.

"The Sharks Rugby Club is deeply saddened by the passing of former player Hyron Andrews," the club wrote in a statement.

"Hyron spent more than a decade as part of the Sharks family, making a valued contribution to the club throughout his career.

"Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his wife Maighlin, his young sons, friends, current and former teammates and everyone at the Lions during this incredibly difficult time."

Sale Sharks added: "Everyone at Sale Sharks is devastated to learn of the death of our former player Hyron Andrews.

"Hyron was a much-loved member of the squad during his time with us and everyone at the club is united in sending their love, thoughts and heartfelt condolences to his wife Maighlin, their beautiful boys and the rest of his family and friends and everyone at Lions Rugby."