The Lions have confirmed South African rugby player Hyron Andrews has died at the age of 31 on the eve of their Champions Cup match with La Rochelle in France.
Andrews' death was announced by the Lions on Friday. SA Rugby said Andrews died after "falling at the team's hotel in La Rochelle."
Paramedics were called but he was pronounced dead on Friday morning.
"We are heartbroken by the passing of Hyron," Rudolf Straeuli, Lions Rugby Company CEO, said.
"He was not only a gifted rugby player, but also a cherished member of our Lions family having recently joined us this season.
"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."
Andrews was a second-row who played for the Blue Bulls and Sharks before moving to England to the Sale Sharks in 2024. He returned to South Africa and the Lions ahead of this current season.
The Lions were in France preparing for their match with La Rochelle and said they will fulfil the fixture against on Saturday evening.
The Lions added in a statement: "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 teammates, 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."
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 Maighlin, and for his extended family, friends, teammates 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 Maighlin 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."
The EPCR has confirmed a moment's silence will be held ahead of every Investec Champions Cup and Challenge Cup match this weekend.
EPCR 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, teammates, the 10bet Lions and all those who knew and loved him at this incredibly difficult time."
Andrews played for Sale 45 times after joining the club on a short-term deal in the 2023-24 season before staying for a further two campaigns.
Sale Sharks director of rugby Alex Sanderson said: "Hyron was just a brilliant guy and a brilliant teammate. 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] Maighlin 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 to Maighlin and a doting father to his two gorgeous boys. It was an absolute privilege to get to know him and it's just absolutely devastating for everyone."