Lions player found dead on Île de Ré hotel on eve of Champions Cup match
A player in his 30s from the Johannesburg Lions was found dead on Friday, 16 October, in a hotel shower on the Île de Ré, the day before the club's Champions Cup opener against La Rochelle. A prosecutor has opened an investigation and an autopsy is planned.
What happened
A player from the Johannesburg Lions was found dead on Friday, 16 October, at a hotel on the Île de Ré off France's Atlantic coast, where the South African side was staying. The man, who was in his 30s, was found unresponsive in a shower cubicle and could not be revived by emergency services. The Lions were preparing for their opening Investec Champions Cup match against La Rochelle, scheduled for Saturday, 17 October. Neither the organisers nor the club have released his name, as his family had yet to be informed at the time of reporting. The Lions responded with a short statement, saying:
It is with deep sadness that we share that we have received distressing news from France.
What investigators know
La Rochelle prosecutor Arnaud Laraize said the player was discovered on Friday morning in a shower cubicle bolted from the inside, roughly an hour after a hammam session. Laraize said the man had given no sign of illness in the days before, according to those close to him. An investigation into the cause of death has been opened and an autopsy is planned. The prosecutor said nothing so far points to another person being involved. A source close to the investigation told AFP that he was found in cardiac arrest. French media reports said emergency services were called to the team hotel shortly after 10am and that resuscitation attempts failed.
- Player found unresponsive in a shower cubicle locked from the inside at the team hotel on the Île de Ré
- Emergency services called to the hotel; resuscitation attempts unsuccessful, per French media reports
- Scheduled kick-off against La Rochelle at Stade Marcel Deflandre, not yet confirmed as postponed
Team and tournament response
Lions players and staff have been informed and are receiving support, according to reports. The hotel's management said a psychological support cell has been set up at the Atalante-Relais Thalasso for both the squad and the hotel's employees. The squad had flown to Europe after a 57-15 defeat by the Bulls, their South African rivals, and was preparing for its debut in the top-tier competition. EPCR, the tournament organisers, had not confirmed any change to the Pool 2 fixture, which is scheduled for 18:30 on Saturday, 17 October, at Stade Marcel Deflandre. RTÉ reported that a postponement was almost certain, but no official decision had been announced. Autopsy results and the release of the player's name remain pending.
Wider context
The death came 10 years to the day after Munster coach Anthony Foley died in a Paris hotel room in 2016, RTÉ reported. The Irish Times said Foley was 42 and died in his sleep after a heart condition caused fluid to build up in his lungs. RTÉ said Foley's death came on the day of a Munster match with Racing 92 in Paris, while The Irish Times described it as the eve of a European tie. Munster players are due to pay tribute to him before their match against Racing 92 in Cork on Saturday, wearing commemorative presentation jackets with the club crest and the number eight, Foley's position.
