South African rugby star 'was found with shower door locked from the inside' as French police open investigation into his death aged 31 following heart attack

South African second row Hyron Andrews was found in cardiac arrest in a shower cubicle that was locked from the inside as French police begin investigating the rugby star's death aged 31.

The rugby world was sent into shock on Friday after the 'funny', 'charismatic' and 'brilliant team-mate' Andrews died of a suspected heart attack at his team hotel on the eve of a Champions Cup clash.

Andrews was due to turn out for the Lions – one of South Africa's four big domestic teams - against La Rochelle on Saturday night, but had been found unresponsive in a shower at the Atalante-Relais Thalasso Hotel in western France.

Emergency services arrived but were unable to save him and he was pronounced dead at the scene. 

The public prosecutor in La Rochelle, confirmed to AFP that an investigation had been opened to determine the cause of death, which occurred on the island of Ile de Re, and said that an accidental death was currently the leading line of inquiry.

'He was found unresponsive in a shower cubicle located in the hotel's spa area,' the prosecutor's office said via AFP. 'The shower was locked from the inside.

'There are no signs of violence on his body, and the involvement of a third party is not currently considered a likely scenario. An investigation into the cause of death has been entrusted to the gendarmerie.'

An autopsy is due to be carried out, the source close to the investigation said.

Lions player Hyron Andrews, 31, was found unresponsive in a shower cubicle locked from the inside, French police have confirmed

Hyron and his wife Maiglin along with one of their sons are pictured here. He suffered a suspected heart attack on the eve of his team's game in France

Andrews only returned to his native South Africa to join the Lions this summer after departing English club side Sale for whom he made 45 appearances. Of those, 19 came for the Sharks last season. Andrews' former club boss, Sale director of rugby Alex Sanderson, said: 'Hyron was just a brilliant guy and team-mate. He was so skilled on the field but off it, he was always someone you would want to have a beer with.

'He was funny and charismatic in his own unique, dry way and the lads, to a man, loved playing with him and being around him. It was a big move for Hyron and his wife Maiglin to come to England but he truly made a second home in Manchester and it was incredible to see how he and his family embraced the club and area.

'Most importantly, he was a loving husband and a doting father to his two gorgeous boys. It was an absolute privilege to get to know him. It's just absolutely devastating for everyone.'

Confirming Andrews' passing, the Lions said in a statement: '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.

'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 team-mates, 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 Lions have confirmed that their scheduled clash with La Rochelle will go ahead with the team's players keen to pay tribute to Andrews on the field.

Reports in the French media said a psychological support unit had been set up for the Lions franchise's players and staff, as well as the hotel personnel.

Rudolf Straeuli, Lions chief executive, said: '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.

Hyron Andrews career

Andrews spent the majority of his career playing in his native South Africa with the lock having joined the academy of Durban-based the Sharks in 2014.

He made his debut for the Sharks in 2016 and made 83 appearances for the team, scoring three tries.

Andrews was part of the Sharks side that reached the quarter-finals of the Champions Cup in 2023.

The 6'8 lock joined Sale Sharks on an initial short-term deal in the 2023-24 season. He ultimately stayed at the PREM Rugby side for a further two seasons, playing 45 times in total.

Andrews left at the end of last season to return to South Africa with the Lions.

Internationally, Andrews represented South Africa at the 2015 World Rugby Under 20 Championship in 2015. 

The junior Springboks were beaten in the semi-finals by England, but won the third place match against France.

'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 Lions added: 'The Lions Rugby Company will communicate further details regarding an appropriate tribute in due course. In honour of Hyron, the 10bet Lions will fulfil their opening match of the Investec Champions Cup against La Rochelle tomorrow evening South African time. May Hyron rest in peace.'

Andrews' former employers Sale said: '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 Maiglin, their beautiful boys and the rest of his family and friends and everyone at Lions Rugby.'

PREM Rugby also said in a statement: 'Everyone at PREM Rugby and our clubs is deeply saddened by the passing of Hyron Andrews and we extend our heartfelt sympathies to his family and friends.

'Our thoughts are also with Hyron's team-mates past and present, everyone at the Lions and Sale Sharks, and the wider South African rugby community at this very difficult time.'

Andrews was a former South Africa Under-20 international.

Mark Alexander, president of the South African Rugby Union, said: 'This is terrible and distressing news. Our hearts go out to Hyron's family and the whole Lions rugby community.

'There are no words to adequately convey our shock and the depth of sympathy we feel for his wife Maiglin and for his extended family, friends, team-mates and loved ones during this time of immense sorrow.

'Hyron was a respected member of the rugby community whose contribution to the game and impact on those around him will be remembered with great fondness.

'His untimely passing is a devastating loss and we share in the grief of all who knew and loved him.

'The thoughts and prayers of the entire South African rugby family are with Maiglin and all those mourning his loss. May they find strength, comfort and peace in the memories they shared with him and in the support of those around them.' 

In a bizarre coincidence, Andrews' tragic passing occurred on the 10-year anniversary of the death of Munster legend Anthony Foley. A former Munster coach and captain, Foley died in his sleep on October 16, 2016, at the age of 42 in Paris on the eve of a European tie against Racing 92 after a heart condition caused fluid to build up in his lungs.

Ronan O'Gara, the current La Rochelle head coach, was an ex-Munster team-mate of Foley's. Reports have suggested O'Gara headed to the team hotel of the Lions to offer the team's grieving players and support staff emotional support. La Rochelle said they had learned of Andrews' death with 'immense sadness.' They added: 'The club extends its deepest condolences to his family, loved ones, team-mates, staff and the entire Lions family.

French police have opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death

'To honour the memory of their team-mate and out of respect for La Rochelle and its fans, the Lions players and staff have decided, despite the circumstances, to play the match.

'A minute's silence will be observed before kick-off. La Rochelle invites its supporters to join in this moment of reflection with the utmost respect.

'La Rochelle remains by the side of the Lions in this ordeal.'

European Rugby organisers said: '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 organisation's 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, team-mates, the 10bet Lions and all those who knew and loved him at this incredibly difficult time.' In memory of Andrews, a moment's silence will be held ahead of every Champions Cup and Challenge Cup match this weekend.

Those tributes began when Gloucester hosted French giants and current European champions Bordeaux on Friday night.