The past week presented the Lions team with trials unimaginable within any rugby match. However, amidst the grief following the sudden passing of lock player Hayron Andrews, the Johannesburg-based team found solace in the sympathy of the entire rugby community and the bonds that unite the sport.
As the Lions prepare to face Edinburgh in the United Rugby Championship (URC) this week in Scotland, scrum coach Julian Redelinghuys reflected on the emotionally draining period when his team had to make the difficult decision to take the field against La Rochelle just one day after Andrews' death.
SA Rugby stated in a release last Friday that Andrews 'died after a fall at the team hotel in La Rochelle.'
For Redelinghuys, the support shown by players, opponents, staff, and people from around the world served as a powerful reminder that while rugby is fiercely competitive between the lines, it remains a game built on respect and humanity beyond those lines.
'Rugby remains rugby, and it should be a battle between four lines, but outside those lines it is a gentleman's game where people truly care about each other,' said Redelinghuys during an online press conference in Edinburgh yesterday.
This sentiment was evident during the Lions' challenging visit to France, where the reaction to Andrews' death made an indelible impression on the squad.
'To say it was a tough week is an understatement,' noted Redelinghuys. He mentioned that the sympathy shown by La Rochelle, who defeated them 31-14 on Saturday, was sincere and deeply meaningful. He added, 'From our arrival and after the match in the dressing room, the whole process was incredible. The way the rugby community can stick together proves that it is more than just a sport.'
The decision to play against La Rochelle was not easy. Immediately after Andrews' death, the Lions had to decide whether it was right to take the field to honor their teammate and his family. Players discussed various options, including postponing or forfeiting the match, before ultimately deciding to play.
'It was probably one of the hardest decisions players have ever had to make in rugby,' said Redelinghuys. The Lions were determined to play for Andrews, not to let the result define their performance. He added, 'We weren't going to worry about the result. We were going to worry about how much we played for Hayron, and I think we made him proud.'
Outside the context of the match itself, the priority remained supporting Andrews' family and ensuring they received guidance according to the family's needs during this incredibly difficult time. The Lions stayed in touch with the family, offering practical and emotional assistance while respecting their wishes regarding communication and further arrangements.
Redelinghuys also highlighted how MyPlayers supported everyone connected to the Lions. He reported, 'As soon as everything happened, there were people everywhere [offering us help]. MyPlayers immediately stepped up. There were different points of contact,' speaking about the support available to the players. He concluded, 'One of the amazing things about the team is that the guys support each other. We support each other as a team.'
Looking ahead to the match against Edinburgh on Friday, Redelinghuys commented on the team's preparation: 'There is no playbook for this. We can only trust and do everything we can. We need to support the guys as much as possible.'
