Otago Highlanders running back Connor Garden-Bachop has died aged 25 following an unspecified “medical event”, New Zealand Rugby said on Tuesday.
Police said they were called to the scene of a sudden death in Christchurch on Monday evening. It is not considered suspicious and will be referred to the coroner.
“Connor passed away on Monday following a medical event and rugby’s collective focus at this time is on supporting his family,” New Zealand Rugby said in a statement.
“Connor was a fantastic young player, an exciting representative for New Zealand and a proud Māori All Black. Wherever he played, he was a dedicated and popular teammate with infectious energy and someone who could light up the room,” the statement said. . “Most importantly, he was a loving father to his twin girls, a brother, a son and loved beyond measure by all who knew him.”
James Worsfold/AP
Garden-Bachop, the son of former All Black Stephen Bachop, played for the Highlanders in the Super Rugby competition this season.
Highlanders teammate Jona Nareki led the tributes to the winger on social media, posting on Instagram: “Rest in peace my brother. I love you my boy.”
Garden-Bachop played representative rugby for the Maori All Blacks and comes from a family of New Zealand internationals.
His mother, Susan Garden-Bachop, played for the New Zealand Black Ferns, while his uncle Graeme Bachop also played for the All Blacks.
New Zealand Rugby’s statement included a verse in the indigenous Maori language that translates as ‘the rugby house laments the death of one of its sons who graced the playing fields. Oh especially, Connor. The rugby world is crying for you. Rest in peace now our friend.
Garden-Bachop made his debut for the Highlanders in 2021 and went on to make 30 appearances in Super Rugby.
The club had said he was one of several players who will not return next season.
In a recent Instagram post, Garden-Bachop praised the Dunedin team after what he called “an unforgettable five years.”
“Thank you to everyone in the south for making me feel at home, and thank you to the guys I had the honor of sharing the field with. It was a pleasure, I will miss you all. See you next time.”
Garden-Bachop’s older brother Jackson, 29, plays rugby in France for second-tier club Brive.
The team expressed their condolences on social media.
“It is with great sadness that we learned of the death of Connor Garden-Bachop… all our thoughts are with his brother Jackson, his family and friends,” the message said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
