New Zealand Super Rugby player Connor Garden-Bachop dies aged 25
- Highlanders player Connor Garden-Bachop has died
- He died from a medical event in Christchurch on Monday
- The rugby player was the father of twins
Highlanders Super Rugby star and Māori All Blacks rugby player Connor Garden-Bachop has died aged just 25.
Garden-Bachop, a father of twins, reportedly died from a medical event at a relative’s home in Christchurch on Monday evening.
The young footballer, an outside defender, was part of the Highlanders Super Rugby squad for the 2024 season.
But the Highlanders announced last week that several players would not return to the team next year, including Garden-Bachop.
A few days ago, Garden-Bachop took to Instagram to thank the Highlanders for an ‘unforgettable five years’ at the club.
Highlanders rugby player Connor Garden-Bachop (pictured) has died
Garden-Bachop reportedly died from a medical event at a relative’s home in Christchurch
‘Thank you @highlandersteam for 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. Until next time,” he wrote.
Garden-Bachop made 35 appearances for the Highlanders after making his debut in 2021.
He is the son of ex-All Black Stephen Bachop and former Black Fern Sue Garden-Bachop. Garden-Bachop is also the cousin of ex-All Black Graeme Bachop.
His brother Jackson Garden-Bachop is also a professional rugby player and played for the Hurricanes.
The New Zealand Māori Rugby Board, Highlanders, Wellington Rugby and New Zealand Rugby Players Association issued a combined statement on Monday.
“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 express our deepest thoughts and love to the Garden-Bachop family,” statement read.
“Connor passed away on Monday following a medical event, and rugby’s collective focus at this time is on supporting his family. All rugby groups are currently walking with the Garden-Bachop family and we are collectively united in our grief.
“Connor was a fantastic young player, an exciting New Zealand age group 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 loved beyond measure by all 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.”
The statement also included a song for the young player in both Māori and English.
Football fans have also taken to social media to post tributes.
The 25-year-old footballer recently took to Instagram to thank the Highlanders for an ‘unforgettable five years’
He is the son of former All Black Stephen Bachop and former Black Fern Sue Garden-Bachop
‘Rest in peace Connor. What an amazing talent and a great guy to match,” one Facebook user wrote.
“RIL Connor Garden-Bachop I love you so much but miss you even more,” wrote another.
“Rest assured, lots of love to the Garden-Bachop family,” a third replied.
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