Former Sale lock Hyron Andrews died at the Lions‘ team hotel on Friday, as rugby clubs paid tribute ahead of weekend fixtures.
Tributes and Silence Observed for Hyron Andrews
There was prolonged applause from La Rochelle supporters as the Lions players entered the field, and also after the minute’s silence that was observed before kick-off. La Rochelle’s three South African players – Dillyn Leyds, David Kriel and Salmaan Moerat – presented a commemorative jersey to their opponents in memory of the 31-year-old player, who died at the Lions’ team hotel.
Andrews’s number five jersey was laid out on the turf in front of the Lions’ team.
La Rochelle Defeats Lions in Pool Match
The Lions, who said they would fulfil the fixture in Andrews’ honour, lost 31-14. Head coach Ivan van Rooyen said before the match: It’s been a tough 24 hours and we’ve decided to celebrate Hyron, show respect to his wife and his children, and celebrate life. It gets taken away so quickly.
Glasgow Defeats Sale with Forty Seven Points
Glasgow beat Andrews’s former club Sale 47-27. Sale director of rugby Alex Sanderson told BBC Radio 5 Live: I am really impressed with how the lads have come together, looked after each other and got tighter in the trauma of it.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Champions Cup Opening Weekend
What caused the death of Hyron Andrews?
The 31-year-old former Sale lock died at the Lions’ team hotel.
How did Sale Sharks respond to the match against Glasgow following the incident?
Sale director of rugby Alex Sanderson told BBC Radio 5 Live that he was impressed with how the players came together and supported each other through the trauma, noting that Andrews had made Manchester his second home before returning to South Africa.
A beautiful tribute by the 10Bet Lions and La Rochelle for Hyron Andrews ❤️📺 Stream #InvestecChampionsCup on DStv: https://t.co/0P0NNhnwKw pic.twitter.com/fzVsL3SIP8