Grieving Lions thank La Rochelle, turn to Scotland games

As tough as it may seem, the 10bet Lions players are looking to use the terrible circumstances that they find themselves in after the passing of their lock Hyron Andrews last weekend to try and bring the team closer.

Andrews was found unresponsive in a shower stall in La Rochelle, France on Friday and died at the age of 31, news that was taken with shock around the world.

The Lions decided as a team to play on and gave a good account of themselves against a strong La Rochelle side, letting in some late tries to lose 31-14 in the end, but the emotion that was overflowing in the side made it a remarkable thing that the game was played at all.

After the game the side boarded a bus en route to Scotland where they will face Edinburgh and Glasgow Warriors in the next two weeks before returning home and getting time to deal with the tragedy that has befallen them.

The two Friday games won’t be easy as both sides are unbeaten in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship and will provide tough Friday night opposition.

Coach Ivan van Rooyen praised his team’s decision to continue with the fixture in the face of the grief they were all experiencing last weekend.

"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."

Van Rooyen also thanked the fans of La Rochelle and the club itself for the way they reacted to the tragedy.

"The hotel staff were unbelievable the whole week, they are truly world class. On the Friday of Hyron's passing, the owner of La Rochelle (Vincent Merking) , CEO (Pierre Veneyre) and head coach Ronan O'Gara all visited the hotel in support.

“Five players from La Rochelle also visited the hotel in support. The three South African players (Salman Moerat, Dilan Leyds and David Kriel) were there all Friday afternoon and even two local players (Paul Boudehent and Matthias Haddad) joined us for dinner on Friday and even Saturday night after the game.

“The respect from the crowd and staff was flabbergasting. 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."

On the match itself, Van Rooyen complimented his team for their bravery and character in the face of all the emotion.

"Immensely proud of the character shown. The disallowed try in the 72nd minute would have had us in striking distance at 24-21. I felt we looked physically better than them at that stage. Unfortunately they didn't award the try and that took the game away from us."

Now the side will continue onwards to Scotland. No memorial or funeral arrangements for Andrews have been announced and it is likely only to happen when the side are back in Johannesburg.

"We are already on the bus on our way to Edinburgh. We have two Friday night games against both Scottish teams (Edinburgh and Glasgow) who are both in good form.

“We are looking forward to spending quality time together as a team away from home over the next two weeks."

The Lions face Edinburgh on Friday night in the Scottish capital.