CHAMPIONS CUP – Sharks coach JP Pietersen has paid an emotional tribute to former Sharks lock Hyron Andrews following his side’s dramatic EPCR Challenge Cup victory over Lyon on Saturday.

The Sharks scored a try after the final hooter through Lili Bester to snatch a 40-33 win after Lyon thought they had clinched victory at the cusp of full time.

But the triumph was bittersweet as the rugby world continues to reel from the sudden death of Andrews (31), who passed away on Thursday 16 October at the Lions’ team hotel in La Rochelle, France, just hours before his team’s scheduled Champions Cup match against the French side.

“Today is a really special one, not just the rugby, but also with Hyron passing away yesterday,” Pietersen said after the match, his voice heavy with emotion.

“It’s quite emotional. We’ll definitely dedicate this win to Hyron.”

A Sharks family member

Andrews spent a decade at the Sharks, joining the Academy in 2014 as a promising young lock from Hoërskool Garsfontein in Pretoria. He made his first-class debut for the Sharks XV in the 2015 Vodacom Cup and went on to accumulate 83 appearances for the Durban-based franchise, scoring three tries.

The towering 2,03m lock became known for his lineout prowess and mobility, representing South Africa at u-20 level during the 2015 World Rugby Under-20 Championship. He started against Toulouse in the Sharks’ Heineken Champions Cup quarter-final in April 2023, stepping in for injured Springbok Eben Etzebeth.

After leaving the Sharks in 2024, Andrews joined Sale Sharks in England on an initial short-term deal before earning contract extensions that saw him make 45 appearances for the Manchester-based club. He returned to South Africa in June 2026 to join the Lions.

For Pietersen, who himself spent his entire South African playing career with the Sharks before transitioning into coaching, Andrews’ death hits particularly close to home.

“Hyron was part of our Sharks family from 2014 to 2024,” Pietersen said. “When you spend that much time with someone, working together, fighting together on the field, they become more than just a teammate. He was a brother to many of the guys still in our system.”

A deserved victory

Looking back on Saturday’s thrilling encounter, Pietersen was adamant that the Sharks deserved to walk away with the win despite Lyon’s late surge.

“If you look at the game, we deserve this win,” he said. “We’ve got some really special players in our group, and it was a squad effort.

“There was fight for 80 minutes in the game, and to finish it off like that was truly special.”

The victory marked another successful outing for Pietersen, who was appointed permanent head coach in February 2026 after an impressive stint as interim coach. Under his leadership, the Sharks have undergone a remarkable transformation, winning five of their first seven matches and climbing from 14th to ninth on the United Rugby Championship table.

“As the head coach, that’s all you can ask for, guys to fight for the badge, fight for identity, and fight for each teammate,” the 40-year-old former Springbok winger said.

“Today, that fight was for Hyron as well.”

Tragic circumstances

According to reports from SA Rugby and French authorities, Andrews’ death occurred at the Lions’ team hotel in La Rochelle and has been described as an accident following a fall. A French investigation is currently under way to determine the exact circumstances.

The Lions were forced to postpone their Champions Cup fixture against La Rochelle, with both teams and match officials agreeing it would be inappropriate to proceed following the tragedy.

Tributes have poured in from across the rugby world, with both the Sharks and Sale Sharks releasing statements mourning the loss of a player they described as a dedicated professional and valued member of their squads.

Andrews never earned a senior Springbok cap, but his impact on South African rugby – particularly at franchise level – was significant. He represented a generation of talented South African forwards who plied their trade with distinction both at home and abroad.

“The rugby community is a tight-knit family, and when we lose one of our own, especially someone so young with so much still to give, it affects us all,” Pietersen added.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Hyron’s family, his friends, and everyone at the Lions. This win is for him.”

The Sharks will next face Connacht in the Champions Cup on Saturday 25 October.

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