'He was a humble, gentle guy': Lions pays tribute to Hyron Andrews
by Craig Taylor · KickOffLions coach Ivan van Rooyen has thanked the rugby fraternity following the passing of lock Hyron Andrews in on Friday.
Van Rooyen’s side put on a gutsy performance against La Rochelle in the Champions Cup on Saturday evening, going down 31-14 in a match filled with emotion.
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Speaking afterwards, Van Rooyen paid tribute to Andrews.
“The responses from all over the world on the team's decision to play speaks to the man Hyron was,” Van Rooyen said.
“He was a humble, gentle guy who people gravitated towards. He had the ability to pull people closer together.
“The team's decision to play also speaks to the character of the team, the deep care for each other. The willingness to sacrifice self for a greater good,” he added.
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Van Rooyen said that the La Rochelle crowd were incredibly supportive of his team after the devastating loss of Andrews.
“The respect from the crowd and staff was flabbergasting,” he said.
“The continuous applause from arrival to departure is something to be proud of and speaks to the values and culture of the community and the team.
“The rugby community showed the world what caring and support looks like and should be.”
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Van Rooyen also praised La Rochelle for their support following the tragedy.
“On the Friday of Hyron's passing, the owner of La Rochelle (Vincent Merling), CEO (Pierre Venayre), and head coach Ronan O'Gara all visited the hotel in support,” Van Rooyen said.
“Five players from La Rochelle also visited the hotel in support. The three South African players (Salmaan Moerat, Dillyn Leyds and David Kriel) were there all Friday afternoon, and two local players, Paul Boudehent and Matthias Haddad, joined us for dinner on Friday and again on Saturday night after the game.”
The Lions are still away for two more weeks as they face United Rugby Championship clashes against Edinburgh and Glasgow.
“We have two Friday night games against both Scottish teams (Edinburgh and Glasgow), who are both in good form,” Van Rooyen said.
“We are looking forward to spending quality time together as a team away from home over the next two weeks.”