Andrews, aged 31, was found unconscious at the team's hotel on the Ile de Re, an island near La Rochelle, on Friday morning. Emergency services were called to the scene shortly after 10am, but resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful.

A statement from the Lions Rugby Company expressed profound sadness, describing the player as a cherished member of the team. The club confirmed that their scheduled match against La Rochelle will proceed as planned in honour of the late forward.

Lions chief executive Rudolf Straeuli paid tribute to the athlete, stating that he was a gifted player and a valued member of the Lions family. The organisation has extended its deepest sympathies to his wife, Maiglin, and their two young sons.

SA Rugby also issued a statement regarding the tragedy. President Mark Alexander described the news as terrible and distressing, noting that Andrews was a respected figure whose contributions to the sport would be remembered with great fondness.

French media reports indicated that the player had suffered a fatal accident at the hotel where the team had been staying since Tuesday. The incident has sent shockwaves through the international rugby community following the tragic news.

Andrews had recently returned to South Africa to join the Lions this summer. His career included a significant two-year spell with English Premiership side Sale Sharks, where he made 45 appearances after joining from the Sharks in 2024.

His former club, Sale Sharks, expressed their devastation at the news. They described him as a much-loved member of their squad and extended their condolences to his wife Maighlin, their children, and his extended family and friends.

Although Andrews represented South Africa at the youth level, he did not make a senior international appearance for the Springboks. His professional career was marked by his consistency and work rate in the second row for several clubs.

The Lions have indicated that an appropriate tribute for Andrews will be planned for a later date. For now, the team remains in France to fulfil their European competition commitments under the most sombre of circumstances.

The Investec Champions Cup fixture against La Rochelle is expected to include a moment of silence or reflection to honour the memory of the player. Players and staff are currently receiving support following the tragedy in France.

The rugby community across South Africa and Europe has united in grief, with many former teammates and clubs sharing tributes on social media. The focus remains on supporting the Andrews family during this period of immense loss.

The Lions' tour of France was intended to be a key part of their early-season preparations for both the Champions Cup and the Vodacom United Rugby Championship. The team management is currently coordinating with the local French authorities.

As the club prepares for the weekend's match, the focus has shifted from tactical preparation to collective mourning. The decision to play the match was taken in consultation with the players and the senior coaching staff.

Andrews' career path saw him develop through the South African domestic system before making his mark in the English Premiership. His return to the Lions was seen as a significant boost for the Johannesburg-based side this season.

The tragic circumstances surrounding his death have prompted an outpouring of sympathy from across the sport. Officials from both the Lions and SA Rugby have requested that the privacy of the family be respected at this time.

The loss of such an experienced player is a significant blow to the Lions' squad. Teammates have been described as being in a state of shock following the events of Friday morning at their hotel base.

The match against La Rochelle serves as the immediate priority for the Lions, though the atmosphere surrounding the fixture will be significantly altered by the events of the past 24 hours in the coastal region.

Further details regarding the circumstances of the incident are expected to emerge as local investigations in France continue. For now, the rugby world continues to process the sudden loss of a respected professional and family man.

The Lions will look to honour Andrews' legacy on the pitch as they face their French opponents. The club remains committed to supporting the player's family as they navigate this unimaginable grief following the sudden accident.