Former Sale Sharks lock Hyron Andrews has died at the Johannesburg Lions' team hotel in La Rochelle ahead of the Lions' European Rugby Champions Cup fixture scheduled for Saturday.
Andrews, who had been part of the Lions' touring party, was found at the team accommodation in La Rochelle on the day of the match. He had previously been on the books at English Premiership side Sale Sharks.
There has been no immediate public statement detailing the cause of death, and the Lions and competition organisers had not released further information at the time of reporting. Local authorities were notified and inquiries are expected.
The European Rugby Champions Cup is the continent's top club competition, and the Lions were due to play in La Rochelle on Saturday. Tributes and official comment were anticipated from the clubs and governing bodies as more information becomes available.
Further updates will be provided as clubs and officials issue formal statements and any investigations are concluded.