Tributes have been paid to Johannesburg Lions' Hyron Andrews after he died in the team hotel on the eve of their Champions Cup game against La Rochelle.
Andrews, 31, who also played for the KZN Sharks and Sale Sharks, could not be revived by emergency services after the alarm was raised at the Atalante-Relais Thalasso hotel on the Île de Ré. A statement from SA Rugby said the lock forward had "passed away tragically" after an accident in which he fell.
"This is terrible and distressing news; our hearts go out to Hyron's family and the whole Lions rugby community," said Mark Alexander, president of the South African Rugby Union in a statement released after Andrews' family had been contacted.
"There are no words to adequately convey our shock and the depth of sympathy we feel for his wife Maighlin, and for his extended family, friends, teammates and loved ones during this time of immense sorrow.
"Hyron was a respected member of the rugby community whose contribution to the game and impact on those around him will be remembered with great fondness.
"His untimely passing is a devastating loss, and we share in the grief of all who knew and loved him."
The Lions had been preparing to make their debut in the top-tier tournament on Saturday having flown to Europe after a heavy 57-15 defeat by the Bulls, their South African rivals. The squad has chosen to fulfil the fixture in honour of their teammate.
European Professional Club Rugby, the tournament organisers said: "In memory of Hyron, a moment's silence will be held ahead of every Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup match this weekend."
Andrews, who was born in Paarl and attended Hoërskool Garsfontein in Pretoria, also represented the Junior Springboks in 2015.
The Lions posted an emotional tribute on Instagram, saying: "It is with broken hearts that we mourn the passing of Hyron Andrews, a valued member of our Lions family. Our deepest condolences are with Maiglin, Hendrix, Emerson and the entire Andrews family during this incredibly difficult time.
"Rest in peace, Hyron. You will always be part of our family."
The tragic incident comes on the 10th anniversary of the death of the Munster coach Anthony Foley in a Paris hotel room in 2016. Foley, who was 42, died in his sleep on the eve of a European tie against Racing 92 after a heart condition caused fluid to build up in his lungs. Tributes are due to paid to him before this weekend's game against Racing in Cork, with the Munster players set to wear commemorative presentation jackets featuring the club crest and the number 8, Foley's position.