Lions forward Andrews dies suddenly ahead of match in France

Lions player Hyron Andrews has died suddenly in France, where the team were preparing for a Champions Cup fixture.

A statement from SA rugby said that Andrews "passed away tragically, following an accident" and that he had "died after falling" at the team hotel.

Following French media reports that a Lions player had passed away, the Lions released a separate statement in the afternoon that named Andrews.

The 31-year-old South African second-row forward had spent the previous two years of his career playing for Sale Sharks in England before returning home this summer to join the Lions.

The Lions said Saturday's match against La Rochelle will go ahead "in honour of Hyron".