Connor Garden-Bachop dies aged 25 as tributes flow for ‘proud Maori All Black’

The rugby union community has been left devastated by the sudden death of New Zealand’s Connor Garden-Bachop on Monday.

The 25-year-old son of parents who both represented New Zealand, he played Super Rugby for the Highlanders — released just last week after the recently completed season — and represented the Maori All Blacks on two occasions.

Garden-Bachop died following a medical event at the home of a relative, according to a joint statement released by New Zealand rugby officials.

Christchurch police earlier released a statement saying they attended a sudden death in the suburb of Fendalton on Monday evening.

The death is not being treated as suspicious, police said, and it will be referred to the coroner.

“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,” rugby officials said in its statement.

“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.”

Garden-Bachop is survived by twin daughters as well as his parents Stephen and Sue, and a brother.

Stephen played for Samoa at the 1991 Rugby World Cup and went on to win five All Blacks caps, while Sue, who died in 2008 after a battle with cancer, played for New Zealand in rugby union, basketball and hockey.

Garden-Bachop followed in his parents’ footsteps to through the ranks and played for New Zealand junior teams before being selected for the Maori All Blacks.

“Connor was a fantastic young player,” the NZ rugby statement said.

“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 Maori 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 included a verse in the indigenous Maori language which translates: “The house of rugby laments the passing of one of its sons who graced the playing fields. O Chiefly one, Connor. The rugby world weeps for you. Rest now in peace our friend.”

Garden-Bachop was released by the Highlanders just last week.

“Thank you Highlanders for an unforgettable five years,” he wrote on Instagram four 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.”

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