Connor Garden-Bachop dead at 25 – New Zealand rugby star dies after suffering ‘medical event’ as tributes flood in

RUGBY player Connor Garden-Bachop has died aged just 25.

The New Zealand Rugby Union pro, who played for Highlanders and Māori All Blacks, died after a "medical event".

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He was part of the Highlanders’ Super Rugby Pacific squad this season and died on Monday.

Connor was the son of All Blacks player Stephen Bachop and Black Fern athlete Sue Garden-Bachop and a dad to twin girls.

New Zealand Rugby confirmed his death to the in a joint statement with the Highlanders today.

They described him as a "fantastic young player" and a "committed and popular teammate with infectious energy".

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A touching tribute posted by the union to X read: "Our deepest condolences are with the family, friends and teammates of Connor Garden-Bachop who passed away yesterday.

"He will be remembered as a popular teammate amongst the Māori All Blacks, Highlanders and Wellington."

He was a loving father to his twin girls, a brother, a son and immeasurably loved by all those who knew him

New Zealand Rugby

Their full 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 was a fantastic young player, an exciting New Zealand age-grade representative and a proud Māori All Black.

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"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.”

The statement included a section in New Zealand's indigenous Maori language, which said “the rugby world weeps for you”.

Fans paid tribute to the athlete after his death was announced on X.

One wrote: "This was a shock, I did not expect to be waking up to this today... forever in our memories."

Someone else said: "So very very sad".

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Connor had seven appearances with the Highlanders this season, playing with them in their defeat to the Hurricanes earlier this month.

Tragically four days ago Connor post a series of pics of him on the pitch to , announcing his departure from the team.

He wrote: "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 boys I have been honoured to share the field with, it’s been a pleasure, I will miss you all. Till next time."

Connor made his rugby debut for Wellington when he played against Canterbury in 2018.

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He played alongside his brother Jackson in 2022 and went on to win the NPC title later that season.