Lions play through tears to honour Hyron Andrews as La Rochelle win emotional Champions Cup tie 31-14

South Africa’s Lions played through tears to honour teammate Hyron Andrews in their first-ever Champions Cup match, going down 31-14 to La Rochelle at the Stade Marcel-Deflandre on Saturday, less than 24 hours after the lock’s death.

Andrews, 31, was found unresponsive at the team’s hotel on the Île de Ré on Friday and could not be resuscitated. South Africa Rugby said he “died after falling at the team hotel”. Reuters reported that no cause of death has yet been determined.

The Lions decided to fulfil the fixture in Andrews’ honour. Before kick-off, his No 5 jersey was laid out in front of the players as an impeccably observed minute’s silence was held, with several players visibly emotional. La Rochelle fans formed a guard of honour to welcome the visitors, and Ruan Delport, selected at lock, instead wore No 24, leaving Andrews’ number free. South Africans Dillyn Leyds and Salmaan Moerat presented a special No 5 jersey to Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen, and the ground erupted in applause in the fifth minute. The Lions have since retired the No 5 jersey for the rest of their Champions Cup campaign.

On the field, the visitors led 7-0 early through Henco van Wyk’s try and were level at 14-14 after Morné Brandon crossed, before La Rochelle pulled clear. Tries from Tevita Ofa, Oscar Jegou, Davit Niniashvili, Tolu Latu and Avakuki Niusalelekitoka, with three Antoine Hastoy conversions, sealed the 31-14 bonus-point win for the two-time European champions. Nico Steyn thought he had set up a late Lions lifeline, only for the TMO to rule out the try for a forward pass.