Super Rugby player Connor Garden-Bachop dies aged 25

New Zealand rugby player Connor Garden-Bachop has died aged 25.

His old Super Rugby team, the Dunedin-based Highlanders, have confirmed his death.

Garden-Bachop, son of former All Black Stephen Bachop, was part of the Highlanders’ Super Rugby squad this season.

The NZ Herald reports police were called to the scene of a sudden death in Fendalton, Christchurch around 5.55pm on Monday.

Police said: “The death is not being treated as suspicious and will be referred to the Coroner.”

The Highlanders posted on Facebook last week announcing several players who would not return to the team next season, including Garden-Bachop.

Rugby player Connor Garden-Bachop has died aged 25. (Photo by Joe Allison/Getty Images)
New Zealand Rugby, the New Zealand Maori Rugby Board, Highlanders, Wellington Rugby and the New Zealand Rugby Players Association issued a joint statement.

“On behalf of the entire rugby community, the Highlanders, Wellington Rugby, New Zealand Rugby, the New Zealand Māori Rugby Board and the New Zealand Rugby Players Association would like to extend our deepest thoughts and love to the Garden-Bachop family,” it read.

“Connor passed away on Monday following a medical event, and rugby’s collective focus at this time is on supporting his family. All of rugby walks alongside the Garden-Bachop family at this time and we are collectively united in our grief.

“Connor was a fantastic young player, an exciting New Zealand age-grade representative and a proud Māori All Black. Wherever he played, he was a committed and popular teammate with infectious energy and someone who could light up the room.

“Most importantly, he was a loving father to his twin girls, a brother, a son and immeasurably loved by all those who knew him.

“NZR, the New Zealand Māori Rugby Board, the Highlanders, Wellington Rugby and the Players Association are providing support and we ask that the privacy of the Garden-Bachop family is respected.”

Connor Garden-Bachop played for the Highlanders in Super Rugby. (Photo by Joe Allison/Getty Images)
Garden-Bachop, an outside back, posted on Instagram last week thanking the Highlanders after playing five seasons with the team. He made his Highlanders debut in 2021.

“Thank you @highlandersteam for an unforgettable five years,” he said.

“Thank you to everyone in the south for making me feel at home, and thank you to the boys I have been honoured to share the field with, it’s been a pleasure, I will miss you all. Till next time.

Garden-Bachop is survived by two daughters.

He also played two games for the Maori All Blacks.

He was the son of former All Black Stephen Bachop and former Black Fern Sue Garden-Bachop, who died in 2009 after a long battle with cancer.