- Highlanders player Connor Garden-Bachop dies
- He died from a medical event in Christchurch on Monday.
- The rugby player was the father of twin girls
Highlanders Super Rugby star and Māori All Blacks rugby player Connor Garden-Bachop has died aged just 25.
Garden-Bachop, a father of twin girls, reportedly died from a medical problem at a relative’s home in Christchurch on Monday night.
The young footballer, an outside back, was part of the Highlanders’ Super Rugby squad for the 2024 season.
Just a few days ago, Garden-Bachop took to Instagram to thank the Highlanders for an “unforgettable five years” with the club.
Highlanders rugby player Connor Garden-Bachop (pictured) dies
Garden-Bachop reportedly died from a medical event at a relative’s home in Christchurch
‘Thank you @highlandersteam for five unforgettable years. Thanks to everyone in the south for making me feel at home, and thanks to the guys with whom I have had the honor of sharing the court, it has been a pleasure, I will miss you all. Until next time,” she wrote.
Last week, the Highlanders posted on social media announcing that several players would not return to the team next year, including Garden-Bachop.
Garden-Bachop played 35 games with the Highlanders after debuting in 2021.
He is the son of former All Black Stephen Bachop and former Black Fern Sue Garden-Bachop. Garden-Bachop is also the nephew of former All Black Graeme Bachop.
His brother Jackson Garden-Bachop is also a professional rugby player and has played for the Hurricanes.
The New Zealand Māori Rugby Board, the Highlanders, Wellington Rugby and the 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, New Zealand Māori Rugby Board and the New Zealand Rugby Players Association we wish to extend our deepest thoughts and love to the Garden-Bachop family,” the statement said. read.
‘Connor passed away on Monday following a medical event, and rugby’s collective focus at this time is to support 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 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 daughters, a brother, a son and loved immensely 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 Garden-Bachop family’s privacy be respected.”
The statement also included a song for the young player in both Maori 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 easy, Connor. What an amazing talent and a great guy to accompany him,” wrote one Facebook user.
‘RIL Connor Garden-Bachop I love you so much but I miss you even more,’ posted another.
“Rest assured, with all my love to the Garden-Bachop family,” a third responded.
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