A New Zealand rugby player has died suddenly at just 25 years old following a reported “medical event.”
Connor Garden-Bachop’s death on Monday was confirmed by New Zealand Rugby.
The exact cause of his death has not yet been revealed.
The statement read:
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.
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.
According to 1News in New Zealand, Garden-Bachop is survived by his twin daughters.
From 1News:
He was 25 and had twin daughters.
Garden-Bachop was the son of former All Black Stephen Bachop and former Black Fern Sue Garden-Bachop, who died in 2009.
His uncle was former All Black Graeme Bachop and his brother Jackson also plays professionally.
“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,” NZR said.
He died following a medical event, NZR said.
“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.”
Connor Garden-Bachop made his debut for the Highlanders in 2021 and also played NPC for Wellington and Canterbury.
He was one of six players confirmed as leaving the Highlanders at the end of this season. The Otago Daily Times reported he was to play in Japan.
“Thank you @highlandersteam for an unforgettable five years,” he wrote on Instagram a couple of days ago.
“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 💛 #300”
Tributes for the young athlete flooded social media:
Reflecting on the passing of Connor Garden-Bachop, what about this try he scored in the 2019 Jubilee Cup semi-final for Norths against Tawa! Norths won a thriller 18-17 and went on to beat Wainuiomata 25-16 in the final the following week. pic.twitter.com/Fsg5y8dsCH
— ClubRugby (@ClubRugby) June 18, 2024
My most favorite Connor Garden-Bachop’s try.
— 𝑳𝒆𝒏𝒏𝒚🎸 (@Lenny5959) June 18, 2024
Rest in Peace…🙏 pic.twitter.com/T80vblGG8R
Kei te tangi te ao Whutupōro kua hinga tētahi o ngā tama o te papa takaro.
— Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) June 17, 2024
The house of rugby laments the passing of one of its sons who graced the playing fields.
It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Connor Garden-Bachop yesterday. He will be remembered… pic.twitter.com/6j9j5Deha3
We join the rugby community in mourning the sudden passing of Connor Garden-Bachop.
— Queensland Reds (@Reds_Rugby) June 17, 2024
Sending love to the Garden-Bachop family – we’re all with you 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/9Kyb17xKBx
