Lions coach hails rugby community after tragic death of Hyron Andrews
REACTION: Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen has paid an emotional tribute to the support shown by La Rochelle and the wider rugby community following the death of Hyron Andrews, saying the compassion shown to his team in France was a powerful reminder of what rugby stands for.
The Lions suffered a 14-31 defeat to Stade Rochelais in their Investec Champions Cup clash on Saturday, but their performance under heartbreaking circumstances earned a standing ovation from the French crowd.
Van Rooyen was particularly moved by the support from their opponents, with La Rochelle owner Vincent Merling, CEO Pierre Venayre and head coach Ronan O’Gara visiting the Lions at their hotel on Friday following Andrews’ passing.
Five La Rochelle players also reached out to the grieving squad. South Africans Salmaan Moerat, Dillyn Leyds and David Kriel spent Friday afternoon with their compatriots, while French players Paul Boudehent and Matthias Haddad joined the Lions for dinner on Friday and returned after Saturday’s match.
“The hotel staff were unbelievable the whole week; they are truly world-class,” Van Rooyen said.
“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.”
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‘He could pull people closer together’
Andrews, 31, died on Friday morning while the Lions were on tour in France. The team subsequently decided to honour their fallen teammate by playing their Champions Cup fixture, with the franchise retiring the No. 5 jersey for the remainder of their European campaign.
Van Rooyen said the response to the decision to play reflected the kind of person Andrews was, as well as the unity within the Lions squad.
“The responses from all over the world on the team’s decision to play speak to the man Hyron was.
“He was a humble, gentle guy who people gravitated towards. He could 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.”
Lions coach proud despite defeat
Despite the loss, Van Rooyen was immensely proud of the way his players conducted themselves and competed against a formidable La Rochelle side.
The Lions believed they had scored a crucial try in the 72nd minute that would have brought them to within three points at 24-21, but the effort was disallowed.
“Immensely proud of the character shown,” Van Rooyen said.
“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.”
Lions turn their focus to Scotland
With little time to dwell on the defeat, the Lions were already travelling to Edinburgh after the match as they prepared for two more Friday-night fixtures against Scottish opposition.
They face Edinburgh and Glasgow over the next fortnight, with both sides in good form.
“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.”
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