South African rugby player Hyron Andrews found dead in France

What happened

South African second row Hyron Andrews of the Lions was found dead at a hotel in France on Friday, the eve of his team's Champions Cup match against La Rochelle. The 31-year-old was discovered in cardiac arrest in a locked shower cubicle on the island of Ile de Re. Local authorities are treating an accidental death as the leading line of inquiry, with an autopsy to be carried out. Andrews had recently returned to South Africa after two seasons with English Premiership side Sale Sharks, and had previously played for the Sharks in Durban and represented South Africa at under-20 level. The Lions said Saturday's match against La Rochelle would proceed as planned in honour of Andrews. A moment's silence will be held before all Champions Cup and Challenge Cup matches this weekend in his memory.

Key facts

• Hyron Andrews, 31, South African lock for the Lions
• Found dead in locked shower cubicle on Friday, Ile de Re, France
• Former player for Sharks (Durban) and Sale Sharks (English Premiership)
• Lions playing La Rochelle in Champions Cup on Saturday
• Accidental death being treated as leading line of inquiry

What happens next

An autopsy will be carried out to determine the cause of death.

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