Former Sale second row Hyron Andrews has died at his Johannesburg Lions’ team hotel before their Champions Cup match at La Rochelle on Saturday.
A statement from SA Rugby stated that his death had been an “accident” and that the 31-year-old had “died after a fall”.
“We are heartbroken by the passing of Hyron,” said Lions chief executive Rudolf Straeuli.
“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 [Andrews’ wife] Maighlin, 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 will fulfil their fixture against La Rochelle, which kicks off at 17:30 BST, in Andrews’ honour, while a moment’s silence will be observed at all the opening round’s fixtures.
“This is terrible and distressing news; our hearts go out to Hyron’s family and the whole Lions rugby community,” said Mark Alexander, president of the South African Rugby Union.
“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, team-mates and loved ones during this time of immense sorrow.
“His untimely passing is a devastating loss, and we share in the grief of all who knew and loved him.”
