The family of Hyron Andrews has released details of funeral services honouring the late Lions lock, who tragically passed away whilst on tour in Europe. Three separate services have been planned to allow teammates, the rugby community and fans to pay their respects to a player whose life was cut devastatingly short.
Andrews died whilst preparing with the Lions for a Champions Cup clash against Lyon on 17 October. The lock’s sudden passing left teammates, coaches and supporters struggling to comprehend the loss of a talented player in the prime of his career.
In a statement released through the Lions Rugby Company, the Andrews family expressed their profound gratitude for the outpouring of support they’ve received since Hyron’s death.
“We would like to sincerely thank everyone for the messages of support and condolences following Hyron’s passing,” the family said. “As a family, we are deeply grateful for every message, call, and gesture of kindness as we navigate this difficult time. Your love and support have carried us, and it means more than words can express.”
Service details
Three services have been arranged to accommodate those wishing to honour Andrews’ memory:
Public Memorial Service
- Date: Friday, 6 November
- Venue: VGK Huguenot Church, Paarl
- Time: 18:00
The public memorial service will allow the wider rugby community, fans and supporters to gather and pay tribute to Andrews. The choice of Paarl reflects the family’s ties to the region.
Private Funeral Service
- Date: Saturday, 7 November
- Location: Paarl
The private funeral service will be limited to family and close friends, providing an intimate setting for those closest to Andrews to say their final goodbyes.
Celebration of Life
- Date: Wednesday, 11 November
- Venue: Kings Park Stadium
The celebration of life at Kings Park Stadium will provide an opportunity for the rugby fraternity to gather on a grander scale, celebrating Andrews’ career, character and contribution to the sport he loved.
A career cut short
Andrews’ death represents a profound loss to South African rugby. The lock had established himself as a valuable member of the Lions squad and was building a career that promised much more to come.
ALSO READ: No manual for grief as Lions navigate Andrews tragedy
His passing whilst on tour added to the tragedy, robbing teammates of the chance to say proper goodbyes and leaving the Lions squad to process their grief whilst far from home.
The rugby community has rallied around the Andrews family in the weeks since his death, with tributes pouring in from across the sport.
Those wishing to attend the public memorial service or celebration of life are encouraged to check with the Lions Rugby Company for any specific arrangements or protocols.
The Andrews family has requested that their privacy be respected during this impossibly difficult time as they prepare to lay their son, brother and teammate to rest.
ALSO READ: Sharks dedicate dramatic Lyon win to Hyron Andrews
